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GPRS Network Architecture

GPRS tries to make maximum use of the existing physical structure of GSM. It has
introduced a new entity named GPRS support nodes(GSN) whose responsibility is
to route and deliver a data packet. GSN is of two types:
 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGNS)
 Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGNS)

  GPRS Architecture 
Components of GPRS Architecture
Mobile Station(MS)
GPRC requires enhanced mobile stations, as existing mobile stations were
designed according to the GSM network, and they were unable in handling
enhanced data packets. A variety of high-speed mobile stations are available to
support enhanced data packets. These mobile stations are also capable of
handling the GSM architecture to make voice calls. 
Base Station Subsystem (BSC)
 In GSM architecture there is one component called BSC. But in GPRS there is one
component is added to BSC called PCU. PCU stands for Packet Control Unit. If the
signal comes to BSC and that signal contains data, then PCU routes to the SGSN.
The interface is used between BSC and PCU is the FRI interface. After the signal
comes to SGSN, it delivers the data packet to the GGSN. GGSN routes the data
packet to the data network (PDN- Predefined Data Network).
GPRS Support Nodes
GPRS support nodes are of two types:
1. Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)
It is responsible for the following tasks:
 Packet Delivery
 Mobility management
 apply/ sign off of terminals
 localization
 LLC (Logical Link Control) management
 Authentication
 billing
2. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)
It is responsible for the following tasks:
 Mediator between GPRS between backbone and external data networks.
 Saves current data for the SGSN address of the participant as well as their
profile and data for authentication and invoice.
Internal Backbone Network
It is an IP-based network that is used to support the working of GPRS and this is
responsible to carry new packets between different GSNs. The tunneling is used
between SGNSs and GGSNs to exchange information without informing the
internal backbone.
Mobility Support
GPRS has the following mechanism to support mobility in the network:
1. Attachment Procedure
2. Location and Handoff Management
Routing Area
This is similar to the location area in GSM the only difference is routing area use
fewer cells as routing areas are smaller than the location area. 
SMS in GSM
GSM introduced a mechanism of Short Messaging Service(SMS) which is similar to
peer-to-peer Instant messaging.
Mobile computing application
A mobile computing application is a software program that is designed to run on
mobile devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows users to perform various
tasks and access information on their mobile devices.
The structure of a mobile computing application can be divided into three main
components: the user interface, the application logic, and the data storage.
1. User Interface: The user interface is what the user sees and interacts with
on their mobile device. It includes all the screens, buttons, menus, and
other elements that allow the user to navigate and use the application. The
user interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with a layout
and design that is suitable for smaller screens.
2. Application Logic: The application logic is the brain of the mobile computing
application. It handles the functionality and behavior of the application. It
includes all the code and algorithms that define how the application works
and responds to user input. For example, if you're using a weather app, the
application logic would be responsible for fetching weather data from a
server and displaying it on your device.
3. Data Storage: Mobile computing applications often need to store and
retrieve data. This can include user preferences, settings, and any other
relevant information. There are different methods of data storage, such as
using a local database on the device or connecting to a remote server to
store and retrieve data. The data storage component ensures that the
application can store and access the necessary information securely.
These three components work together to create a functioning mobile computing
application. The user interface allows users to interact with the application, the
application logic defines the functionality, and the data storage ensures that
relevant data is stored and accessible when needed.
Multiplexing techniques
Multiplexing is the process of combining multiple signals into a single
transmission medium, allowing multiple users or data streams to share the same
communication channel. In mobile communication, where many users need to
access the limited radio spectrum simultaneously, multiplexing techniques play a
crucial role in efficient data transmission. Here are a few commonly used
multiplexing techniques:
1. Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM): FDM divides the available
frequency range into multiple non-overlapping subchannels. Each
subchannel is allocated to a specific user or communication stream. These
subchannels can be thought of as separate "lanes" on a highway, with each
lane dedicated to a different user. FDM is commonly used in analog
systems like traditional radio and television broadcasting.
2. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM): TDM divides the available time into fixed
intervals or time slots. Each user or communication stream is assigned a
specific time slot within the transmission cycle. Users take turns
transmitting their data during their assigned time slots, effectively sharing
the same communication channel. TDM is like a rotating schedule, where
each user gets their designated time to talk.
3. Code Division Multiplexing (CDM): CDM assigns a unique code to each user
or communication stream. All users transmit their data simultaneously, but
each user's data is spread across the entire frequency spectrum using their
unique code. The receiver knows which code belongs to which user and can
extract the specific data accordingly. CDM is commonly used in
technologies like CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) for mobile phone
networks.
4. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM): OFDM divides the
available frequency spectrum into multiple smaller subcarriers. These
subcarriers are closely spaced and orthogonal, meaning they don't interfere
with each other. Data is split and transmitted across these subcarriers
simultaneously. OFDM is known for its robustness against frequency
selective fading and is widely used in modern cellular systems like 4G LTE
and 5G.
These are just a few examples of multiplexing techniques used in mobile
communication. Each technique has its own advantages and is suitable for
different scenarios and technologies. By efficiently sharing the limited resources,
these multiplexing techniques allow multiple users to communicate
simultaneously over the airwaves.

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