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GPRS Overview GPRS Overview GPRS Network
GPRS Overview GPRS Overview GPRS Network
GPRS - Overview
INTERNET/
INTRANET
GPRS Network
abcde X.25
Disclaimer: These overview slides are intended for informational purposes only. They have
not been reviewed or officially presented, thus there may be some unintentional errors. For
detailed information, please refer to the GPRS specifications.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Overview
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Definitions
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Definitions
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Network Overview
MAP-E MAP-C
Gp
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Interfaces
• Gb - The equivalent of the A interface for GPRS (frame relay)
• Gc - Interface between the GGSN and HLR so that the GGSN can get the location
details of an MS. To avoid implementing MAP/SS7 in the GGSN, this interface is
optional. When not present, the GGSN routes inquires to the HLR via an SGSN.
• Gd - Interfaces the SGSN to the SMS-GMSC. Allows for delivery of SMS traffic
over GPRS. This is a MAP interface.
• Gf - Interface between the SGSN and EIR, similar to the existing MSC/VLR EIR
interface
• Gi - An external interface between GGSN and another type of packet network
• Gn - SGSN to GGSN interface, based on IPv4 or IPv6.
• Gp - Inter PLMN GPRS interface. The Gp interface provides the functionality of
the Gn interface along with the security functionality required for inter-PLMN
communication. The security functionality is based on agreements between
operators.
• Gr - Interface between SGSN and HLR, similar to the MSC-HLR interface. This is a
MAP interface.
• Gs - Interface between the MSC and SGSN. This interface is required for some
simultaneous GPRS and CS service operation (for some MSs). This is a BSSMAP
interface (optional)
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GPRS - Addressing Elements/Identifiers
• SGSN IP address - HLR is enhanced to include GPRS subscription data and routing information
including the SGSN IP address and SS7 addresses.
• NSAPI - Network Layer Service Access Point Identifier - user for Network Layer routing. In the MS, the
NSAPI identifies the PDP-SAP. In the SGSN and GGSN, the NSAPI identifies the PDP context
associated with a PDP Address. Between the SGSN and the MS, the TLLI uniquely identifies the logical
link. The NSAPI is part of the Tunnel ID (TID).
• TID - Tunnel ID - consists of an IMSI and NSAPI. This uniquely identifies a single PDP context.
• TLLI - Temporary Logical Link Identifier. Optional. The relationship between TLLI and IMSI is known
only in the MS and SGSN. Unique within a RA. TLLI is derived from a P-TMSI allocated by the SGSN.
• P-TMSI - Packet Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity. Allocated to each GPRS attached MS ( 03.03)
• RAI - Routing Area Identity - identifies one or several cells. RAI is broadcast as system information and
is used by the MS to determine (when changing cells), if a RA border was crossed. A Routing Area (RA)
is a subset of a GSM Location Area (LA). A RA is served by only on SGSN. RAC (Routing Area Code) is
only unique when presented with an LAI. A GSM Cell Identifier (CI) is unique when presented with an
LAI or RAI. RAI = MCC+ MNC + LAC + RAC.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Mobility Management
• HLR has been enhanced to include GPRS subscription data and routing
information:
— IMSI
— SGSN IP & SS7 addresses
— up to fifty PDP (Protocol Data Protocol) specific data sets.
• Large impact to support Class A and Class B GPRS sets. There are 3
categories of GPRS Mobile Sets:
— Class A - supports full simultaneous connections . (Requires
“Combined” procedures)
— Class B - supports simultaneous paging for either service, but NOT
activation. GPRS services will be put on hold while a CS call is handled.
(Requires “Combined” procedures)
— Class C - either GPRS or CS modes.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Mobility Management - Location Registration
GPRS uses the concept of a routing area (RA), which is a subset of a GSM
Location Area (LA). GPRS has three types of Routing Area Registration:
• Routing Area Updating - when a mobile enters a new Routing Area (RA)
• GPRS Attach/Detach
— Indicates mobile activation/deactivation within a Routing Area
— Prevents paging of a mobile that is not active (visited VLR rejects calls
from the HLR or applies Call Forwarding)
— Note that the mobile station does not maintain an attach/detach state
• Periodic Routing Area Update
— Periodicity is determined by the network
— Ensures that regular radio contact is maintained by the mobile
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Inter-SGSN Routing Area Update - Message Flow
8. Cancel Location
8. Cancel Location Ack
9. Insert Subscriber Data
9. Insert Subscriber Data Ack
10. Update Location Ack
11. Location Updating Request
11. Location Updating Accept
12. Routing Area Update Accept
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GPRS - Inter-SGSN Routing Area Update - Message Flow Details
1. The MS sends the Routing Area Update Request to the new SGSN.
2. The new SGSN then exchanges an SGSN Context Request/Response with the old
SGSN.
3. Optionally, the GSM security procedures are performed.
4. Upon receipt of the SGSN Context Response and after optional security has been
performed, the new SGSN sends an SGSN Context Acknowledge if the user has at
least one PDP context active.
5. Upon receipt of the SGSN Context Acknowledge, the old SGSN forwards any
packets from the old SGSN.
6. After sending the SGSN Context Acknowledge, the new SGSN initiates the Update
PDP Context with the GGSN.
7. Upon completion of this, the Update Location is sent to the HLR.
8. This results in a Cancel Location to the old SGSN.
9. The subscriber data is then sent to the new SGSN.
10. Upon receipt of the Insert Subscriber Data Acknowledgement, the HLR
acknowledges the Update Location.
11. (Note: this procedure can be combined with the GSM Location Update.
12. Upon completion of the Location Updating procedure, the new SGSN sends a
Routing Area Update Accept to the MS.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Mobility Management - Security
GPRS uses some existing GSM security messaging and optional GPRS specific
messaging:
• Authentication Request/Response/Reject - performed by SGSN as per MSC/
VLR
• Identity Request/Response - SGSN executed as per MSC/VLR
• TMSI Reallocation Command/Complete
•
Supported by 3 algorithms:
• Authentication
• User Data Encryption (Note: the scope of ciphering for GPRS is between MS
and SGSN).
• Generation of cipher key (TDMA frame number is unknown at the SGSN,
therefore LLC frame number may replace TDMA frame number as an input to
the algorithm). Uses standard key management procedures for Kc.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Authentication Procedure
MS SGSN HLR
1. Send Authentication Info
2. Authentication Request
2. Authentication Response
1. If the SGSN does not have previously stored authentication triplets, a Send Authentication Info (IMSI) is
sent to the HLR. The HLR responds with Send Authentication Info Ack (Authentication Triplets). Each
Authentication Triplet includes RAND, SRES and Kc.
2. The SGSN sends Authentication Request (RAND, CKSN, Ciphering Algorithm) to the MS. The MS
responds with Authentication Response (SRES).
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Protocol Stack
Application
IP/X.25 IP/X.25
Relay
SNDCP GTP
SNDCP GTP
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Transmission Protocol Definitions
• GTP - GPRS Tunneling Protocol - Tunnels user data and signalling between
GPRS support nodes in the GRPS backbone network. All PTP PDP PDUs shall be
encapsulated by GTP. GTP shall provide the mechanisms for flow control
between GSNs, if required (GSM 09.60)
• TCP - Transmission Control Protocol - carries GTP PDUs in the GPRS backbone
network for ptotocols that need a reliable data link (e.g., X.25). Provides flow
control and protection against lost and corrupted GTP PDUs.
• UDP - User Datagram Protocol - carries GTP PDUs for protocols that do not need
a reliable data link (e.g., IP). Provides protection from corrupted PDUs.
• IP - Internet Protocol - GPRS backbone network protocol used for routing user
data and control signalling. Initially based on IP version 4 protocol. Ultimately, IP
version 6 protocol.
• SNDCP - Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol (SNDCP) - maps
network-level characteristics onto the characteristics of the underlying network
(GSM 4.65)
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GPRS - Transmission Protocol Definitions (continued)
• LLC - Logical Link Control - provides a highly reliable ciphered logical link. LLC
shall be independent of the underlying radio interface protocols in order to allow
introduction of alternative GPRS radio solutions with minimum changes to the
NSS. (GSM 4.64)
• Relay - in the BSS, relays LLC PDUs between the Um and Gb interfaces. In the
SGSN, relays PDP PDUs between the Gb and Gn interfaces.
• BSSGP - Base Station System GPRS Protocol - conveys routing and Qos related
information between BSS and SGSN. Does not perform error correction. (GSM
8.18)
• NS - Network Service - transports BSSGP PDUs. Based on the Frame Relay
connection between BSS and SGSN and may be multi-hop and traverse a network
of Frame Relay switching nodes. (GSM 8.16)
• RLC/MAC - Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control - layer controlling 2
functions: RLC provides a radio solution dependent reliable link. The MAC
function controls the access signalling (access and grant) for the radio channel,
and the mapping of LLC frames onto the GSM physical channel. (GSM 4.60)
• GSM RF - as defined in GSM 05 series.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol
The GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) defines the protocol between GSN nodes in
the GPRS backbone network.
• Applies to both the Gn and Gp interface.
• Signalling is used to create, modify and delete tunnels.
• User Datagram Protocol (UDP) used to transfer signalling messages.
• Defines the following categories of signalling messages:
— Path Management Messages
— Tunnel Management Messages
— Location Management Messages
— Mobility Management Messages
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Path Management
The following path management messages can be sent between any type of
GSN pair:
• Echo Request - sent on a path to another GSN to determine if the other node
is alive.
• Echo Response - sent as a response to an Echo Request
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
The following tunnel management messages are used to create, update and
delete tunnels used to route T-PDUs between a MS and an external PDN via
SGSN and GGSN:
• Create PDP Context Request
• Create PDP Context Response
• Update PDP Context Request
• Update PDP Context Response
• Delete PDP Context Request
• Delete PDP Context Response
• Create AA PDP Context Request
• Create AA PDP Context Response
• Delete AA PDP Context Request
• Delete AA PDP Context Response
• Error Indication
• PDU Notification
• PDU Reject
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
SGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Selection Mode Indicates the source of the Access Point Name (APN)
Flow Label Data I Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for G-PDUs
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
End User Address If PDP addr field is empty, then dynamic otw contains static addr.
Access Point Name May be used by GGSN to differentiate accesses to different external
networks. APN is either MS provided, a subscribed APN or SGSN
selected.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
GGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
End User Address If PDP addr field is empty, then dynamic otw contains static addr.
Protocol configuration options Applies to IP protocol only.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
SGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Flow Label Data I Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for G-PDUs
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
GGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Flow Label Data I Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for G-PDUs
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
Quality of Service QoS negotiated by the MS at Anonymous Access PDP context activa-
tion
SGSN Address for signalling Specific address for signalling.
SGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Selection Mode Indicates the source of the Access Point Name (APN)
Flow Label Data I Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for G-PDUs
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
GGSN Address for user traffic Specific address for user traffic.
Flow Label Data I Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for G-PDUs
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a downlink (GGSN -> SGSN) flow label for signalling msgs.
End User Address Contains the requested PDP type with the PDP addr field empty
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
Error Indication
• Sent to the GGSN when a tunnel PDU is received for the following conditions:
— No PDP context exists
— PDP context is inactive
— No MM context exists
— GGSN deletes its PDP context when the message is received.
• Sent by the new SGSN to the old SGSN if no PDP context exists or is inactive for a received
tunnel PDU. The old SGSN deletes its PDP context when message is received.
• Sent by the GGSN to the SGSN if no PDP context exists for a received tunnel PDU. The SGSN re-
establishes the PDP context to the GGSN when the message is received.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Tunnel Management
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GPRS - PDP Context Activation Procedure
MS SGSN GGSN
1. Activate PDP Context Request
2. Security Functions
1. The MS sends an Activate PDP Context Request ( NSAPI, PDP type, PDP Address, Access Point Name,
Qos Requested, PDP Configuration Options) message to the SGSN. Access Point Name is either a GGSN
IP address or a logical name referring to the GGSN to be used. PDP Configuration Options is send
transparently through the SGSN to the GGSN.
2. Security Functions are optionally executed (previously discussed).
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - PDP Context Activation Procedure (continued)
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GPRS - Network-Requested PDP Context Activation Procedure
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GPRS - Network-Requested PDP Context Activation Procedure (continued)
1. When a PDP PDU is received, the GGSN determines if the Network-Requested PDP Context Activation
Procedure needs to be initiated. (The GGSN may store subsequent PDUs received for the same PDP
address). The GGSN may send a Send Routing Information for GPRS(IMSI) message to the HLR.
2. The HLR receives the Send Routing Information for GPRS message:
— If the HLR determines the request can be served, the HLR includes the IP address of the SGSN that
currently serves the MS in the Send Routing Information for GPRS Response (IMSI, SGSN Address,
Cause) message.
3. The GGSN receives the Send Routing Information for GPRS Response
— If the SGSN address is present and Cause is not present or equals “No Paging Response”, the
GGSN sends a PDU Notification Request (IMSI, PDP Type, PDP Address) message to the SGSN
indicated by the HLR.
— Otherwise, the GGSN sets the MNRG (Mobile Station Not Reachable) flag for that MS.
4. The SGSN receives the PDU Notification Request .
5. The SGSN sends a PDU Notification Response (Cause) message to the GGSN to acknowledge that it will
request the MS to activate the PDP context indicated by the PDP Address.
6. The SGSN sends a Request PDP Context Activation ( PDP type, PDP Address) message to the MS to
activate the indicated PDP context.
7. The PDP context is activated per the PDP Context Activation Procedure described previously.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Location Management
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Mobility Management
The following mobility management messages are used for GPRS Attach and
Inter-SGSN Routing Update:
Identification Request
• Sent by the new SGSN to the old SGSN to request the IMSI for a MS when a
GPRS Attach is done with a P-TMSI and the MS has changed SGSNs since
the GPRS Detach was done.
• Contains the following parameters:
Information element Description
P-TMSI Signature Conditionally provided by the MS to the new SGSN for identification checking
purposes per GSM 03.60 and 04.08.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Mobility Management
Identification Response
• Sent in response to the Identification request.
• Contains the following parameters:
Information element Description
Cause Only value in the message if Cause is anything other than ‘Request
Accepted’.
IMSI IMSI of MS, matching the P-TMSI and RAI in the Identification Request.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Mobility Management (continued)
Receive State Variable (V(r)) From the LLC in the old SGSN.
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a flow label chosen by the old SGSN. The new SGSN includes this
flow label in the GTP header of all subsequent signalling msgs sent from new
SGSN to the old SGSN related to the PDP context(s) requested.
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GPRS - GPRS Tunnelling Protocol - Mobility Management (continued)
Receive State Variable (V(r)) From the LLC in the old SGSN.
Flow Label Signalling Specifies a flow label chosen by the old SGSN. The new SGSN includes this
flow label in the GTP header of all subsequent signalling msgs sent from new
SGSN to the old SGSN related t the PDP context(s) requested.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Network - Routing in Home PLMN to/from External PDN
MS External
BSS SGSN GGSN
PDN
PDP PDU
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Network - Backbone Networks
Inter-PLMN Backbone
Gi Gp Gp Gi
GGSN BG BG GGSN
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - GPRS Network - Data Routing for a Roaming MS
Visited PLMN Home PLMN
PDP PDU
PDP PDU
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GPRS - References
[1] GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Overview and Strategy Proposal, Nik Allen and John Candish, 20-
97-0042, version 1.0.0, May 11, 1998.
[2] GSM 03.60 (version 6.1.1) - General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Service Description; Stage 2.
[3] GSM 09.60 (version 6.1.0) - General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP)
across the Gn and Gp Interface.
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GPRS Overview
GPRS - Channel Types
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