Technology Info

With GPRS providing additional connectivity in terms of packet data, there are naturally a number of upgrades needed to the network architecture required. A number of new elements are needed for the network, but these can operate alongside the existing elements meaning that the GPRS capability is an upgrade to the network and not a completely new network structure.

The main new network architecture entities that are needed are:

· SGSN: GPRS Support Node - this forms a gateway to the services within the network.

· GGSN: Gateway GPRS Support Node which forms the gateway to the outside world.

· PCU: Packet Control Unit which differentiates whether data is to be routed to the packet switched or circuit switched networks.

A simplified view of the GPRS network architecture can be seen in the diagram below. From this it can be seen that it is very similar to the more basic GSM network architecture, but with additional elements. This is the figure of the elements;