The GPRS core network allows 2G, 3G and WCDMA mobile networks to transmit IP packets to external networks such as the Internet.

The GPRS core network is the central part of the general packet radio service ( GPRS ) which allows 2G, 3G and WCDMA mobile networks to transmit IP packets to external networks such as the Internet.

GPRS core structure

GPRS Tunnelling Protocol is the defining IP-based protocol of the GPRS core network.

Three forms of GTP are used by the GPRS core network.

A GSN is a network node which supports the use of GPRS in the GSM core network.

Within the GPRS core network standards there are a number of interfaces and reference points ( logical points of connection which probably share a common physical connection with other reference points ).

# REDIRECT GPRS core network # PDP Context

# REDIRECT GPRS core network # Gateway GPRS Support Node ( GGSN )

# REDIRECT GPRS core network # Serving GPRS Support Node ( SGSN )

# REDIRECT GPRS core network # PDP Context

# REDIRECT GPRS core network # GPRS tunnelling protocol ( GTP )

It was extended with an overlay architecture to provide packet-switched data services known as the GPRS core network.

* The GPRS core network with the rest of the GSM core network.

; Gb: Connects the BSS to the SGSN in the GPRS core network.

* GPRS core network

APN is used in 3GPP data access networks, e. g. general packet radio service ( GPRS ), evolved packet core ( EPC ).

GTP-C is used within the GPRS core network for signaling between gateway GPRS support nodes ( GGSN ) and serving GPRS support nodes ( SGSN ).

EDGE is a superset to GPRS and can function on any network with GPRS deployed on it, provided the carrier implements the necessary upgrade.

The new GPRS network installed by the Scandinavian company allows faster and permanent connectivity for all mobile users, as well as providing high-speed picture and video messaging for owners of the new range of multi-purpose hand-sets.

The GPRS system is an integrated part of the GSM network switching subsystem.

In order to set up a GPRS connection for a wireless modem, a user must specify an APN, optionally a user name and password, and very rarely an IP address, all provided by the network operator.

This refers to the setting up of new services, such as GPRS, MMS and Instant Messaging for an existing subscriber of a mobile phone network, and any gateways to standard Internet chat or mail services.

In 2005 Orange France becomes the first operator to use a national broadband network for mobile phones combining EDGE, which covers 95 % of the population, 3G, which covers 60 %, and GPRS ( low bandwidth Internet ), which covers 98 %.

However, D-AMPS has been competing against GSM and systems based on code division multiple access ( CDMA ) for adoption by the network carriers, although it is now being phased out in favor of GSM / GPRS and CDMA2000 technology.

They operate a GSM / GPRS / EDGE / UMTS ( HSPA +) cellular communications network under licence from the Commission for Communications Regulation ( ComReg ), and were the third entrant in the market, after Vodafone Ireland and O2 Ireland.

The GPRS system is an integrated part of the GSM network switching subsystem.

Primarily it is the protocol which allows end users of a GSM or WCDMA network to move from place to place while continuing to connect to the Internet as if from one location at the Gateway GPRS support node ( GGSN ).

This communication is direct within a single network, or in the case of international roaming, via a GPRS roaming exchange ( GRX ).

The gateway GPRS support node ( GGSN ) is a main component of the GPRS network.

The GGSN is responsible for the interworking between the GPRS network and external packet switched networks, like the Internet and X. 25 networks.

From an external network's point of view, the GGSN is a router to a sub-network, because the GGSN ‘ hides ’ the GPRS infrastructure from the external network.

In 2G systems, GPRS provides data rates of 56 – 114 kbit / second.

EDGE is standardized by 3GPP as part of the GSM family and it is an upgrade that provides a potential three-fold increase in capacity of GSM / GPRS networks.

* General Packet Radio Service ( GPRS ) provides more efficient packet-based data transmission directly from the mobile phone at speeds roughly twice those of HSCSD.

* An Internet Service Provider which provides network access via common modem or modem-like devices ( be it PSTN, DSL, cable or GPRS / UMTS ) can have one or more NAS ( network access server ) devices which accept PPP, PPPoE or PPTP connections, checking credentials and recording accounting data via back-end RADIUS servers, and allowing users access through that connection.

* GPRS mobile data service, provides high speed connection and data transfer rate

The Mobile Application Part ( MAP ) is an SS7 protocol which provides an application layer for the various nodes in GSM and UMTS mobile core networks and GPRS core networks to communicate with each other in order to provide services to mobile phone users.

The GGSN is the anchor point that enables the mobility of the user terminal in the GPRS / UMTS networks.

* 3GPP Technical Specification TS 23. 060 GPRS Service Description describes Location management procedures for the packet switched domain.

# Mobility management functions ( provided by SGSN in the GPRS / UMTS networks )