General packet radio service (GPRS) is a mobile communications standard that operates on 2G and 3G cellular networks to enable moderately high-speed data transfers using packet-based technologies. This article explains the working of GPRS, its pros and cons, and the top applications in 2022. Show
What Is GPRS?General packet radio service (GPRS) is defined as a mobile communications standard that operates on 2G and 3G cellular networks to enable moderately high-speed data transfers using packet-based technologies.  How GPRS Establishes a Connected Mobile Environment for IoT Applications General packet radio service (GPRS) is essentially a packet-switching technology that allows information to be transmitted via mobile networks. This is utilized for internet connectivity, multimedia messaging service, and other types of data transmission. GPRS is supported by GPRS cellphones, as well as laptops and handheld devices equipped with GPRS modems. Subscribers have reported downstream bandwidths of up to 80 Kbps. GPRS could be employed to facilitate connections related to Internet protocols which provide a set of functions including commercial and enterprise applications. Before the transmission, the information is split into individual packets and routed through the core network and radio. At the receiver’s end, the data is reattached. The global system for mobile communications (GSM) is the primary standard for the second generation (2G) cellular network, while GPRS is an improved version. GPRS is not like GSM’s short messaging service (GSM-SMS), which has a message length limit of 160 bytes. GPRS has a theoretical maximum speed of 115 kbps, although most networks operate at roughly 35 kbps. GPRS is sometimes known as 2.5G unofficially. It’s a third-generation route to gain availability on the internet. GPRS can operate from either symmetric or asymmetric configuration, whereas frequency for either direction is determined by which one of the 12 multislot provider classes are chosen. The number of time slots for every path is determined by the multislot service class, for every time slot propping up a theoretical connection speed of 21.4 kbps. One of the most basic is service class 1, which allows a one-time slot for each path. Service class 12 is by far the most proficient, with four-time slots in every direction. GSM-IP stands for global-system mobile communications internet protocol and is also another name for GPRS. It ensures that customers are connected, making audio calls and browsing the internet. This method enables packet radio access to even time division multiple access (TDMA) customers. GPRS also allows network operators to deploy an IP-based core architecture for integrated audio and data applications, which can be used and improved for 3G networks. GPRS used to be the fastest network-accessible option – this has, however, changed in terms of speed and dependability, as both 3G and 4G networks surpass it. However, it is still used in several areas, particularly rural regions and emerging nations that have not ventured into other more sophisticated technology. When a GPRS network is available, most smartphones might use it, albeit those used to better connections will notice the considerably slower bandwidth and long waits. See More: Distributed Computing vs. Grid Computing: 10 Key Comparisons How Does GPRS Work?GPRS adds several new essential features to aid the end-to-end transmission of IP-based data packets. The GSM standards created GPRS, which resulted in a structure with specified attributes, interfaces, and inter-network operations for roaming assistance. GPRS enhances the architecture of the GSM standard to enable packetized communication services at speeds up to 114 kbit/s in reality. Data transmission uses the network whenever it is essential because of the packet transfer mode. As a result of the GPRS standard, users could be paid based on the volume exchanged instead of the connection length, allowing them to remain connected without incurring further charges. GPRS enables network operators to have a more effective method to distribute data to their customers by removing the requirement to use speech channels for data transmission. Customers get four times the rate for the most typical dial-up connections when using a GPRS connection. The overall average speed of dial-up data services is 9.6 kbps, whereas GPRS speeds range from 40 to 172.2 kbps. Users can also access rich media applications and information using GPRS connectivity. It is not necessary to download any data to view or use it. As a result, GPRS technology is suitable for cellphone internet use. Because of the GPRS network, one can access rich media apps via mobile networks. Further, because of circuit-switched data speed constraints and the 160-character short message service (SMS) limit, many applications were previously inaccessible in GSM networks. The GPRS system enables mobile services to use apps that have been previously only available on desktop laptops and computers. This unlocks a slew of new technological and creative potential. GPRS networks can also allow for internet access. It suggests that online services such as web surfing, email, chat, and file transfer protocol (FTP) could be accessible via cell phones. The GPRS connection could be seen as a sub-network of the Internet because it uses similar protocols, and GPRS phones could be regarded as mobile hosts since they are using the same methods. GPRS operates on cell phones, laptops, and other portable devices with a GPRS modem or a GPRS Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. A GPRS modem is ideal for sending and receiving messages from a computer. This packet-based platform was one of the first to offer multimedia messaging and push-to-talk features, similar to a walkie-talkie. However, GPRS devices are rarely capable of transmitting longer voice recordings. GPRS technology, for instance, couldn’t allow individuals to send a given text to a transcription system since the audio files became too huge to be transferred at acceptable rates. The idea of Quality of Service (QoS) is incorporated into GPRS. It refers to the capacity to adapt a service to the requirements of an app. The following QoS conditions apply – priority, reliability, delay, and throughput. The inclusion of new network nodes called GSN (GPRS support nodes) situated on a backbone network is required to integrate GPRS into a GSM architecture:
GPRS wireless packet data has three main characteristics:
GPRS provides the services listed below:
See More: What Is Distributed Computing? Architecture Types, Key Components, and Examples Advantages and Challenges of GPRSCompared to the original GSM system, GPRS technology provides various perks and advantages to users and network providers. Companies commonly used this to create precise data capabilities using mobile communications technology. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of GPRS. Benefits of GPRS 1. Billing made simpleWhen compared to circuit-switched services, GPRS packet transfer offers better consumer billing. When it comes to circuit-switched services, the cost is determined by the length of the connection. One of the significant disadvantages of circuit switching for IoT is cost-efficiency. The connection length determines the subscriber’s operating costs in the circuit switch. Now suppose you’re using an asset tracking system or a remote sensor. One should preferably keep these gadgets in ‘always-on’ mode. On the other hand, these products are only designed to transmit or receive information somewhat irregularly. Each subscriber is responsible for the entire cost of airtime, including during times when no packets have been sent. 2. Increased speedA significant advantage of the GPRS system is that it provides a higher data rate than GSM. GSM was designed to transmit data at approximately 14.4 kbit/s at first. Over the 2G network, GPRS, on the other hand, provided data speeds up to 86kbit/s. It made matters like streaming and gaming possible for customers. It allowed for monitoring in enterprises. Rates of up to 172 kbps are feasible. However, top data speeds of 15 to 40 kbps are achievable in most scenarios. 2G or 3G with GPRS is typically a theoretically acceptable fit if all you need is slow, occasional data transfers. 3. “Always-on” connectivityAnother benefit of GPRS is that it is always available. A GPRS connection can provide constant Internet connectivity, quick messaging, and improved SMS transfers. It was also the fastest network ever seen when it was first launched. For example, with a standard Global System for Mobile Communications technology, somebody could transmit only 10 SMSs per minute. On the other hand, somebody could transmit three times as many messages a minute while using SMS-boosted GPRS transfer. Costs depend on how often a circuit has been used over time and whenever circuit-switched procedures have been used. The expenses of packet-switched technology are computed above any volumes of information transmitted, which would be consumed by the provider’s bandwidth. Always-on connectivity is enabled simultaneously. See More: How Ericsson Is Fixing IoT Implementation Challenges for Businesses: Q&A With Kyle Okamoto Despite the benefits of GPRS technology, several drawbacks may deter some clients. GPRS retains a stronghold on the people despite its flaws. The following are the disadvantages of GPRS: Disadvantages of GPRS 1. Sunsetting of 2G and 3GBecause of the GPRS protocol, both 2G and 3G networks have proven to be quite successful in supporting IoT projects over a previous couple of decades. On the other hand, new networks are putting more strain on the limited radio frequency (RF) bandwidth. Carriers have already begun to turn off existing 2G and 3G networks to make place for the new networks, with the pace set to pick up in the coming years. Users will have to change technology at a certain point. Now would be the time to evaluate and plan for changes to the current 2G and 3G IoT networks to prevent a last-minute scramble. 2. Limited cell capacityGPRS is technically adequate for most IoT use cases, but not all. 2G or 3G with GPRS is typically a theoretically acceptable fit if all you need is slow, occasional data transfers. However, for data-intensive applications, the existing cell capacity of a system is impacted by GPRS. There are only a few radio resources that one can use for various purposes. Voice and GPRS calls, for example, share similar network services. The magnitude of the impact is determined by the number of timeslots set for GPRS use only. 3. Risk of slower speedsTo achieve the maximum possible GPRS data transmission speed of 172.2 kbps, all eight timeslots should be taken over by an individual user with no error safety. The supported data rates (171.2/384 Kbps) are slower than the current wireless protocols such as HSPA, LTE, LTE-advanced, and so on. A network operator is unlikely to enable one GPRS customer to occupy all time slots. Furthermore, the first GPRS terminals are projected to be highly constrained, with only one, two, or three time slots being supported. Top 8 Applications of GPRSGPRS provides various unique services to wireless mobile subscribers and business users, and some of them supply users with higher-value services. Non-voice mobile services like GPRS enable a wide range of business and consumer applications, and we’ll show you which ones are best for you. Some of these aspects are listed below:
Various potential applications are now being developed for users by leveraging the aforementioned three features. These GPRS applications include the following: 1. CommunicationCommunication applications appear as mobile communication systems solely to obtain messages or data. In contrast to applications where consumers think they are using a service offered or conveyed by the network provider. They include; fax, e-mail, intranet/internet access, and unified messaging, among other things. 2. Value-added servicesApps that give information services and other games, for example, are considered value-added services. It only refers to the content offered by telecom companies to boost the quality of their services to customers. Push and pull are two concepts widely used in GPRS-based information delivery, as explained below.
Two examples of tailored information sent through GPRS are a market ticker that focuses on crucial quotes and news and an e-commerce application that knows a user’s profile. 3. E-commerceE-commerce can be described as business conducted over the Internet or through a data system. It would only involve applications in which an agreement is formed over the network connection, including when buying goods and services and online banking applications, due to the common criteria of the consumer-authentication process and secure transmission of personal information. It includes retail apps like ticket purchases, banking apps, and financial trading, among other things. Applications include navigation, traffic updates, airline/rail schedules, and location finders, among other services. 4. Vertical applicationsVertical applications in the mobile context refer to platforms that use mobile frameworks to aid the achievement of the desired tasks in a company’s value chain, compared to applications that are then sold to a customer. Vertical applications that run using GPRS include:
See More: Distributed Computing vs. Grid Computing: 10 Key Comparisons 5. AdvertisingThanks to GPRS, companies can provide advertising services in the form of a push-type information service. They could provide consumers advertising to help offset the costs of voice or other data services. Lastly, advertising could be location sensitive, such as when a customer enters a shopping center and receives advertising uniquely tailored to the shops within specific malls. 6. Telematics and location-based services.Location-based services enable consumers to link push or pull information services to their current location. Telematics technology is built on GPRS frameworks, and hotel and restaurant locators, roadside assistance, and city-specific news and information are some examples. One can also find vertical applications in this technology, including workforce management and vehicle tracking. 7. Consumer applications of GPRSWeather, traffic, entertainment, the stock market, travel schedules, and other consumer applications that use data on demand all rely on GPRS. This also includes money transfers, which require immediate contact with the network provider for administrative data like statements, bill reminders, or new services. The rise of mobile application security is also due to the proliferation of GPRS. 8. Remote operationsBy pressing a button on a terminal, a truck driver can transmit a consumer invoice back to the corporation. Without a phone call, a fashion designer traveling in another nation turns on her digital assistant and gets a couple of megabytes of fresh designs with a “beep.” These qualities assist individuals in performing their occupations more effectively. And GPRS, with its expanded data transfer abilities, will be the medium for doing so. TakeawayThough mobile connectivity technologies evolve in leaps and bounds, GPRS remains a foundational building block. It provides last-mile connectivity for remote applications, which means that developers must comply with GPRS standards when delivering app-based solutions. In the context of IoT, GPRS will have a significant role to play in ensuring accessibility for all. Did this article help you understand the meaning and functionality of GNSS? Tell us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. We’d love to hear from you! MORE ON IoT
Which of the following offers packet for data transfer service over the cellular network?Security in Wireless Systems
The general packet radio service(GPRS) allows packet data to be sent and received across a mobile network (GSM). GPRS can be considered an extension to the GSM network to provide 3G services.
Which of the following provide packet mode data transfer service over the cellular network system Mcq?So the correct answer is CDMA. 3) Which of the following offers packet mode data transfer service over the cellular network?
Which of the following uses wireless as the mode of communication for transferring or exchanging data between various mobiles over a short range?Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). It employs UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz.
Which of the following is used in cellular network to use the same frequency for others?TDMA is one of two ways to divide the limited spectrum available over a radio frequency (RF) cellular channel. The other is known as frequency division multiple access (FDMA). In simplest terms, TDMA enables multiple users to share the same frequency by dividing each cellular channel into different time slots.
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