General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) architecture works on the same procedure like GSM network, but, has additional entities that allow packet data transmission. This data network overlaps a second-generation GSM network providing packet data transport at the rates from 9.6 to 171 kbps. Along with the packet data transport the GSM network accommodates multiple users to share the same air interface resources concurrently.
Following is the GPRS Architecture diagram:
GPRS attempts to reuse the existing GSM network elements as much as possible, but to effectively build a packet-based mobile cellular network, some new network elements, interfaces, and protocols for handling packet traffic are required.
Therefore, GPRS requires modifications to numerous GSM network elements as summarized below:
| GSM Network Element |
Modification or Upgrade Required for GPRS. |
| Mobile Station (MS) |
New Mobile Station is required to access GPRS services. These new terminals will be backward compatible with GSM for voice calls. |
| BTS |
A software upgrade is required in the existing Base Transceiver Station(BTS). |
| BSC |
The Base Station Controller (BSC) requires a software upgrade and the installation of new hardware called the packet control unit (PCU). The PCU directs the data traffic to the GPRS network and can be a separate hardware element associated with the BSC. |
| GPRS Support Nodes (GSNs) |
The deployment of GPRS requires the installation of new core network elements called the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). |
| Databases (HLR, VLR, etc.) |
All the databases involved in the network will require software upgrades to handle the new call models and functions introduced by GPRS. |
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