What is GPRS?

Introduction to GPRS

GPRS is expanded as General Packet Radio Service, and it is employed in 2G or 3G cellular communications. It was developed in European Telecommunication Institute with the influence of i-mode packet and CDPD technologies which the third generation Partner Project now manages. It is used for mobile communication widely. Generally, it is sold with considering the bulk volume of information exchanged at billing time along with circuit switching data that is managed by computing the connection time. By considering all the utilities, the GPRS bundle of data cap is charged based on MB, operating speed, and the signed policies.

Why do we use GPRS?

The technology of GPRS is based on unused segments of GSM bandwidth to transfer and accept the data packets. The difference between GPRS and the conventional connection is based on the quality level. It can be implemented in many ways, where the higher data rate can be accessed in minimum times.

In the general GSM mobile, the configuration is lengthy methods, and data permission is limited to 9.6kbits per second. When offered in practice, the establishment of session time is decreased by one second, and the data rate of the ISDN-line is limited to many 10kbits per second. The packet transmission of GPRS makes the system simple and user-friendly that is provided by circuit-switched devices. The services offered by circuits is dependent on the connection duration.

It is not applicable for congested traffic, and the user should make payment for the entire connection time, even for the idle situation where no packet is transmitted. But with packet-switched devices, the billing is dependent on several data transmitted. The user gets beneficiaries like even though he is online for a prolonged time, but the billing will be based on data volume transferred.

Features of GPRS

Given below are the features of GPRS:

1. The maximum theoretical speed can be attained until 171.2kbps by utilizing all eight-time slots simultaneously.

2. Instantaneous services can be offered by GPRS, and information can be exchanged immediately as per the requirement and relied on coverage and strength.

3. The application development for GPRS can be allowed for mobile phone range from web browser access, surfing on cyberspace, chat, transfer of attachments.

4. It also enables mobile application created to achieve faster and better application which is not available in prior generations.

5. The extension of GPRS to the GSM packet circuit enables many following possible services.

• Broadcasting the messages by option ‘SMS.
• It enables Always-on internet access.
• Allows messaging services on multimedia images.
• Enables PoC, which is Push to Talk over cellular services.
• Implementation of wireless villages with instant messaging services and presence.
• The wireless application protocol is established as an internet connection for smart devices.
• Internet is spread within inter-networking with a point to point services.
• Point to multipoint is provided with multicast options and group calls connecting multiple nodes.
• SMS transmission speed is about 30 SMS messages per minute, which is much faster than standard SMS, where its speed of transmission is about six to ten SMS messages per minute.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Given below are the advantages and disadvantages of GPRS:

Advantages

• GPRS brought mobile users out of the usual society and into the WAP world, and the internet finally comes inside the mobile to rule the world.
• An enormous amount of information can be exchanged from and to the mobile over the internet by applying GPRS.
• It enabled mobile phones with compact and portable internet links for laptops.
• In a few cases, access to the internet is not available instantly, but the GPRS acts as a lifesaver in mobile networks.
• Most mobile can be implemented as a modem when once connected to a laptop; the GPRS will be a great backup option.
• The factor of portability is minimized with the dawn of faster data cards by connecting directly to the laptop.
• GPRS access is possible in remote locations; the interaction through GPRS is cheap by using the standard GSM network.
• The instantaneous messaging services and mail services support the user to send messages for low-cost rates through GPRS connection in substitute to short message services.
• The clients pay only for transported data and not at the time of the internet connection.
• It offers wireless services to the internet irrespective of any location at the time of available network signal.
• It enables the user to browse data using the internet on a laptop or mobile, even accessing a remote location.
• Using GPRS, the user can connect to the internet constantly.

Disadvantages

• The technology of GPRS utilizes the GSM of the cellular network to send the data even though when the connection is inactive.
• The network-related functions cannot be utilized, but the data session operates as usual.
• It belongs to the B-class GPRS device. When any two radios integrated into the device, it enables both features to execute simultaneously.
• It belongs to class-A, which is less popular, extensive and expensive.
• The mobile phones come under the category class-B.
• The connection of GPRS operates slowly than 56K connections on the laptop. It is due to some restrictions on GPRS.
• Few enhancements are available, which supports increasing the speed, but a wired network’s operation wins the mobile internet connection.
• The connection of GPRS is faster than another network due to the voice of the traffic load on the base station that is used for the internet connection.
• It has many problems when associated with a GPRS connection if many users interact on the phone at the same time in a specified location.

Conclusion

It is available only at the time of GSM coverage, and so it enables the user to connect to the internet when HSDPA or 3G is not available. If the user accesses the internet connection via GPRS, it doesn’t block the incoming calls via the GSM network. It allows the user to receive or make an audio call at the time of surfing the data or if the user is downloading any data from cyberspace.

This is a guide to What is GPRS? Here we discuss the introduction; why do we use GPRS? features, advantages and disadvantages, respectively. You may also have a look at the following articles to learn more –

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