The Fundamentals of GSM & GPRS


Course Info

Code IND07-102

Duration 5 Days

Format Online

The Fundamentals of GSM & GPRS

Course Summary

Technology is constantly evolving in all fields, but particularly in areas of networking. Since the early 90s, GSM, and later GPRS, have been widely used as the standard of networking services. While in recent years their use has been overtaken by newer networks, many of their original protocol stacks and initial functions are still used in an evolved form. For someone within the engineering industry, comprehension of the fundamentals of GSM and GPRS is still essential.

Global System for Mobile (GSM) was created as a low-data network intended to deliver voice services and data from device-to-device. It greatly excelled at this, and had many benefits in comparison to other established networks. GSM was used throughout the second generation of network technology, though as the demand for mobile devices grew, GSM was struggling to match.

General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) eventually emerged with an improved method of data transfer. GSM merged with GPRS to create an advanced cellular network. Utilising the original functions of GSM, GPRS adapted many different protocols, including the packet-switching protocol, to expand the capabilities of the network. These systems co-exist to allow for effective data transfer alongside voice calls and text messages.


  • To review the history of the GPRS system.
  • To assess the transition from GSM to GPRS.
  • To analyse the architecture of GPRS and GSM systems.
  • To comprehend the existing and emerging standards for mobile networks.
  • To identify key components apart of GSM and GPRS.
  • To understand the services GPRS provides and its limitations.
  • To explain the advantages and disadvantages of GSM and GPRS.
  • To recognise different IP network architectures and functionality.
  • To identify GSM and GPRS principles and protocols.
  • To implement and maintain GPRS security.

This course is desgined for anyone interested in developing themselves as a technical manager or expert in communications software. It would be most beneficial for:

  • System Analysts
  • Software and System Engineers
  • Technical Managers
  • Communication Specialists
  • Electrical Engineering Managers
  • Control and Instrumentation Engineers
  • IT Professionals
  • Data Analysts

This course uses a variety of adult learning styles to aid full understanding and comprehension. Participants will investigate established GSM and GPRS networks to highlight key features and components.

They will be supplied with all the necessary equipment to conduct the given learning exercises. Participants will be offered the opportunity to plan their own GPRS network, combining the practical skills and knowledge taught throughout the course. Alongside presentations, group discussions and practical demonstrations, they will be able to develop a full and comprehensive understanding of GSM and GPRS systems.


Course Content & Outline

Section 1: Introduction to GSM and GPRS
  • Defining GSM and GPRS.
  • Identifying key features of both systems.
  • The role GSM originally had.
  • Evolving from GSM to GPRS systems as a standard.
  • Methods of data transfer utilised by GSM.
  • How GSM and GPRS systems were originally merged together.
  • Nodes and interfaces associated with GPRS.

 

Section 2: GPRS Interface
  • The types of coding channels for error detection and correction.
  • TDMA framework and multiframes.
  • How timeslots and corresponding frequencies are allocated.
  • Assessing GSM and GPRS frequency bands and their specific characteristics.
  • Analysing the different interfaces within GPRS.
  • Balancing interface levels with signal levels.

 

Section 3: Protocol Stacks
  • Understanding the purpose of protocol stacks.
  • Identifying the three layers of GPRS protocol stack - MS , BSS, SGSN and GGSN.
  • The roles of the three layers.
  • The protocol stack process from start to end.
  • Differences between IP-based and MTP-based protocol stacks.
  • GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) to aid users in maintaining a connection for internet access.

 

Section 4: GPRS Management
  • What factors ensure effective GPRS management and operation.
  • Utilising mobility management to manage users connected to the network.
  • Efficiently troubleshooting to discover faults before they impact network function.
  • Defining EDGE.
  • Integrating EDGE with GPRS to create EGPRS.
  • Types of EDGE modulation-coding schemes.
  • Link adaptation and incremental redundancy.

 

Section 5: Network Planning and Traffic Management
  • Tools and procedures required for GPRS engineering.
  • Methods of planning a GPRS system.
  • IP address allocation and tunnelling protocol.
  • Establishing data transfer to and from wanted devices.
  • Managing traffic within the network post-implementation.
  • How quality of service is measured, recorded and used to further improve.
  • Understanding and monitoring the attach and detach process.


Course Video