Question

How does GPRS mitigates the problems in transmitting data over GSM (explain how additional core network elements are used in GPRS).

Answer 1

How does GPRS mitigates the problems in transmitting data over GSM (explain how additional core network elements are used in GPRS).

An advantage of GPRS over GSM is that GPRS has a much higher data transmission speed. GPRS can be used as the bearer of SMS. If SMS over GPRS is used, an SMS transmission speed of about 30 SMS messages per minute may be achieved. This is much faster than SMS over GSM. GSM/GPRS Modules are similar to modems, but there's one difference: A GSM/GPRS Modem is an external equipment, whereas the GSM/GPRS Module is a module that can be integrated within an equipment. It is an embedded piece of hardware.

A GSM modem is a wireless modem that works with GSM networks. A wireless modem behaves like a Hayes compatible dial-up modem. The main difference between a standard Hayes modem and a GSM modem is that a hayes modem sends and receives data through a fixed telephone line while a GSM modem sends and receives data through radio waves. A GSM modem can be an external unit or a PCMCIA card (also called PC Card). An external GSM modem is connected to a PC through a serial cable, a USB cable, Bluetooth or Infrared. Like a GSM mobile phone, a GSM modem requires a SIM card from a wireless carrier in order to operate.

These extended AT commands are defined in the GSM standards. With the extended AT commands, you can do things like:

Read, write and delete SMS messages.

Send SMS messages.

Monitor the signal strength.

Monitor the charging status and charge level of the battery.

Read, write and searche phone book entries.

The number of SMS messages that can be processed by a GSM modem is pretty low, approx six messages per minute.GPRS Modules are similar to modems, but there's one difference: A GRPS Modem is an external equipment, whereas the GPRS Module is a module that can be integrated within an equipment. It is an embedded piece of hardware. GPRS architecture works on the same procedure like GSM network, but, has additional entities that allow packet data transmission. This data network overlaps a second-generation GSM network providing packet data transport at the rates from 9.6 to 171 kbps. Along with the packet data transport the GSM network accommodates multiple users to share the same air interface resources concurrently.

Following is the GPRS Architecture diagram:

GPRS attempts to reuse the existing GSM network elements as much as possible, but to effectively build a packet-based mobile cellular network, some new network elements, interfaces, and protocols for handling packet traffic are required.