GPRS GSM Protocol

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a mobile data standard that operates on 2G and 3G cellular networks, enabling moderately high-speed data transfers using packet-based technologies. Here’s an overview of GPRS and its history:

What is GPRS?

GPRS is a packet-switching technology that allows information to be transmitted via mobile networks. It supports internet connectivity, multimedia messaging service (MMS), and other types of data transmission. GPRS is supported by GPRS-enabled cellphones, as well as laptops and handheld devices equipped with GPRS modems. It operates by splitting information into individual packets, routing them through the core network and radio, and reattaching the data at the receiver’s end.

History of GPRS

GPRS was introduced in the early 2000s as an improvement over the older circuit-switching data technologies. It was first deployed around 2001 and became a key component of 2G GSM networks. GPRS provided a seamless mobile data transmission experience, eliminating the need for dial-up connections. It supported improved internet access for web, email, WAP services, and MMS.

Key Features and Advantages

  • Speed: GPRS offers theoretical data rates of 56–114 kbit/s, although most networks operate at roughly 35 kbit/s. It can support bandwidths of up to 80 kbps.
  • Packet Switching: Unlike circuit switching, GPRS is a best-effort service with variable throughput and latency, depending on the number of users sharing the service concurrently.
  • Protocols Supported: GPRS supports Internet Protocol (IP), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), and X.25 connections. It allows each phone to have one or more IP addresses allocated, enabling the storage and forwarding of IP packets during handover.
  • Usage: GPRS was used for various applications such as internet connectivity, weather updates, traffic information, entertainment services, stock market updates, and remote operations like transmitting invoices or designs.

Succession by EDGE

GPRS was succeeded by Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), also known as 2.75G. EDGE provided improved performance and higher bit-rates per radio channel, resulting in a threefold increase in capacity and performance compared to standard GPRS connections. EDGE was deployed on GSM networks starting in 2003 and was standardized by 3GPP as part of the GSM family.

In summary, GPRS was a significant advancement in mobile data technology, providing faster and more efficient data transfer capabilities compared to earlier mobile data standards. Its introduction paved the way for further improvements in mobile network technologies.