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GPRS and EDGE

  • Course Name: GPRS and EDGE
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Technical Level: 3

Overview

This course is designed to equip the delegate with a good overall knowledge of the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and the Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) technology. It establishes the need for a packet-based system (including the role of the Internet and WAP), before explaining the main purpose and features of GPRS and EDGE. The GPRS network architecture and supporting interfaces are explained in enough detail to make sense of the procedures and traffic cases.

Issues such as billing, mobility and interworking with other networks are also covered in detail. Finally, the use of GPRS within 3G networks (and the evolution towards this) is examined, focusing on capabilities, implementation and the role of GPRS in future mobile communications.

Course Objectives

  • Relate the functions of GPRS to the evolving needs of mobile service provision
  • Create a diagrammatic representation of the GPRS System Architecture, describing the role and basic operation of each element. Identify those items specific to GPRS, and those which are used in existing GSM phase 2 networks
  • List the different protocols used within a GPRS network, describing the role each plays within the overall system and the interfaces to which they are applicable
  • Describe the structure and main features of the GSM GPRS radio interface, understanding the options available in terms of coding schemes, user data rates, resource allocation, and channel mapping
  • Follow and describe the basic GPRS procedures, including connection and location management, context activation and security
  • Explain the main issues regarding interworking with external networks, including the Internet, other GSM / GPRS networks (Roaming and the GPRS Roaming Exchange(GRX)), addressing issues and the provision of SMS over GPRS
  • Discuss with confidence potential GPRS services, including GPRS mobile devices and class of operation, quality of service issues, network rollout, billing options, and service concepts
  • Identify how EDGE can be utilised to improve data rates in a GSM-based network and how EDGE can enhance GPRS
  • Describe the techniques used in EDGE to improve data rates
  • Discuss the upgrade requirements for an operator to evolve from GSM to EDGE
  • Relate GPRS to other technologies, including WAP, Bluetooth, 3G, and Mobile IP. Describe the main features and scope of each technology, focusing on the relationship, if any, with the GPRS concept

Course Requirements

A basic understanding of the GSM architecture and procedures would be an advantage, but is not essential.