Introduction to GPRS

Objectives
At the end of the module, the student should be able to: Describe the relationship between GPRS and GSM. Describe the difference between packet switching and circuit switching and the meaning of these to data services. Describe some benefits of GPRS to end-users. to operators. List some business reasons for GPRS. List some possible GPRS applications that would generate revenue.

Background
Current trends in mobile markets: Mobile traffic is growing faster than fixed traffic More than 3000 million GSM mobile phones Data traffic is growing faster than voice traffic
More than 1000 million Internet users worldwide growing Many fixed network operators carry more data traffic than voice

Mobile traffic growth + Data traffic growth = GPRS growth! In many countries, majority of people have a mobile phone. Mobile operators have to stay competitive Setting competitive tariffs
Offering value-added services

Internet Growth Rates

Internet Growth
2500

2000 1500 Millions 1000 500

0 1995 1999 2000 2002 2005 2008 2012

Driving Forces for the Internet Growth

today low cost PCs email Intranet harmonisation growing content in the Web business to business electronic commerce business to consumer electronic commerce etc.

and tomorrow

broadband connections (last mile) mobile commerce Web enabled mobile phones Web based radio and TV etc.

GSM customers worldwide Growth Path

GSM Subscriber Growth (Million)
5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

19 97 19 98 19 99 20 00 20 01 20 02 20 03 20 04 20 05 20 06 20 07 20 08 20 09 20 10

Circuit switched vs. Packet switched

Circuit switched

Packet switched

Circuit switched
Telephone networks

Packet switched
Data networks

Physical circuit PCM-tsl (CONS)

End-to-end connection (call) establishment needed Dedicated resources (e.g. PCM-tsl) for one user are reserved during call establishment Only 30 - 40% of resources are effectively used for speech transfer Speech is transferred in real time Speech does not accept delays Errors in transmission are not so critical for speech Charging is usually based on time

Virtual circuit (VC) No VC X.25 IP (CONS) (CLNS)

No connection needed Resources are shared between different user sessions, not dedicated Resources are requested on demand, more efficient use Packets are not sent in real time buffering and delay Error correction and detection possible Charging is usually based on volume number of packets

Subscribers Point of View

content content

Network server

PSTN Data Service

content content

Network server

telephony network infrastructure

Packet Data Network e.g. Internet

Modem

Remote Access Server

Telco is offering a bearer (= bit tunnel) to the requested Packet Data Network

GSM-PSTN Data Service

content content

Network server

telephony network infrastructure

PLMN
(G)MSC Remote Access Server

Packet Data Network e.g. Internet

Telcos are offering a bearer (= bit tunnel) to the requested Packet Data Network

GSM Data Services Shortcomings

Operators point of view Inefficient use of radio resources Displeased customers

Users point of view 9.6 kbps transmission rate ceiling Max. 160 characters for SMS Circuit switched services expensive for bursty applications Radio interface problems may lead to data losses Data integrity may not be given via the Internet Call establishment duration

What is GPRS?
Technology which permits mobile data communication using packet switching techniques. GSM allows circuit switched (CS) data transfer

Data transfer on a dedicated channel (connection oriented) Connection setup procedure needed as in modem Subscriber charged according to time of connection TS is held for duration of connection - waste of resources
Connectionless packet switched (PS) data service Standardised by ETSI Radio resources shared between CS and PS data New terminals are required

GPRS designed as an extension to digital cellular networks

Overcoming the Bottleneck Um

Increased data transmission rates via new Coding Schemes CS-1 9.05 kbps CS-2 13.4 kbps CS-3 15.6 kbps Data rates on on physical channel (one timeslot)

CS-4 21.4 kbps

Bundling of up to 8 physical channels

All physical channels must be located on the same TRX

Net transmission rate up to 171.2 kbps

CS traffic leaves some capacity for PS traffic

GPRS packets can be transmitted using free GSM capacity
16 14 12 10 TCH 8 6 4
16 14 12 10
TCH

Circuit switched traffic has priority!

2 0 1:00 PM
3:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00 0:00

8 6 4 2 0

1:15 PM

1:30 PM

1:45 PM

Messaging
Versatility of Content and User Benefits Mobile Multimedia Multimedia Message Service Picture Messaging

SMS

Text

Text & Graphics

Digital image input

New content types Time

 Group call is real time voice service to selected group

Users create URL groups on terminals and invite (SMS) other subscribers to join the group talk Scanning monitors multiple listen groups

Push to Talk Group Communication

Other active members of the group hear the speech

SUN

Push key and Talk!

Backbone Network

Push to Talk Service

GPRS Network

Overcoming the Bottleneck Um

capacity on demand Dynamic allocation of radio resources to circuit & packet switched Multiplexing Several users sharing one physical channel

Asymmetric Allocation of uplink and downlink resources

Who are the GPRS users?

Private users Demand for value-added services Messaging Internet

Business users Corporate intranet access Industrial applications Mobile ISP for small enterprises

Private users
Personal messaging: E-mail, pictures, voice
All-in-one communicator

Browsing
WAP terminals for using WAP-enabled

MMS terminal for mobile Multimedia Messaging Service Mobile

services Regular web browsing possible with all-in-one communicator

Laptop

Small group of advanced users, with a laptop for personal use Normal customer requirements on ISP: e-mail, web, news, chat Mobile operator's ISP infrastructure provides standard Internet services

Business users: Corporate intranet access

Corporate networks are primarily using IP. Business users usually have a laptop. Access to existing IP-based applications on the corporate intranet: e-mail, intranet and Internet browsing, database lookup and entry, etc. Resilient background transfer: No more "LOST CARRIER" during file download. The remote office becomes a reality; remain networked wherever you are.

Operator Type 1
Mobile Access Operator
Internet

Operator acts as transparent bit-pipe Limited differentiation possibilities: price, bit rate, availability, etc.

WWW
ISP or content provider

The ISPs control the end-customers through actual services and content access

Small risks for the operator: low cost, small revenue opportunity

Operator Type 2
Full-Service Operator
Corporations

Internet

Content providers

Operator adds value by offering services with value to the end-user Opportunity to differentiate: customer loyalty new customers and revenue streams brand recognition Higher risk, new competencies required

Multimedia Service Center SMS, HSCSD, GPRS, 3rd generation

Key learning points (1/3)

GPRS uses a packet-based technique which will enhance GSM data services significantly, especially for bursty Internet/intranet traffic. Some application examples: bus, train, airline information locating restaurants and entertainment venues weather information security information lottery e-commerce banking e-mail web browsing

Key learning points (2/3)

The main advantages of GPRS for users: Instant access to data as if connected to an office LAN Charging based on amount of data transferred (not the time connected) Higher transmission speeds The main advantages for operators: Fast network roll-out with minimum investment Excess voice capacity used for GPRS data Smooth path to 3G services

Key learning points (3/3)

In circuit switching, each time a connection is required between two points, a link between the two points is established and the needed resources are reserved for the use of that single call for the complete duration of the call. In packet switching, the data to be transferred is divided up into packets, which are then sent through the network and re-assembled at the receiving end.