GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is used as a data services upgrade for any GSM network. It allows GSM networks to be truly compatible with the Internet. GPRS uses a packet-mode technique to transfer bursty traffic in an efficient manner. It allows transmission bit rates from 9.6 Kbps to more than 150 Kbps per user. Key Benefits of GPRS Better use of radio and network resources GPRS optimises the use of network and radio resources. It uses radio resources only when there is data to be sent or received. As a true packet technology, it allows end user applications to only occupy the network when a payload is being transferred and so is well adapted to the very bursty nature of data applications. Completely transparent IP support GPRS provides immediate connectivity and high throughput. Applications based on standard data protocols such as IP and X.25 are supported. In GPRS, four different quality of service levels are supported: To support data applications, GPRS utilises several new network nodes, in addition to the network nodes in the GSM PLMN. These nodes are responsible for traffic routing and other interworking functions with external packet-switched data networks, subscriber location, cell selection, roaming and many other functions that any cellular network needs for its operation. Apart from these protocols, GPRS uses the GSM SMS protocol and the GSM MM protocol (which it calls GMM). RADCOM supplies a wide range of solutions for monitoring and troubleshooting GPRS networks. Supporting many GPRS protocols and variants, RADCOM supports both protocol anlalysis as well as network monitoring for GPRS. Here are examples of how RADCOM's cellular analyzers can be used for GPRS testing: Testing GPRS Transmission and Signaling Developers and network installers use the analyzer to monitor the Gb, Gn and Gr interfaces and display all of them simultaneously. Signaling and data traffic from BSS to SGSN and from SGSN to HLR or GGSN are easily monitored and recorded. All types of messages such as attach request, identity request and their responses can be displayed. Monitoring SGSN and GGSN Performance The analyzer can be used to test SGSN or GGSN performance by monitoring both sides of the node. Testing Capabilities
- Traffic monitoring - Monitors GSM A and all GPRS network interfaces: Gn, Gb, Gr, Gp, Gi, Gf, Gc, Gs, etc.
- Overview - Monitors multiple interfaces simultaneously.
- Deep analysis - Provides numerous statistics and analysis modes for each GSM/GPRS protocol.
- End-to-End - Easily performs full network testing from data network through to the mobile station.
- QoS - Measures latency, loss and jitter over any GPRS network.
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