GPRS Course Questions and Answers: Yannick Marcq February - May 2003

GPRS Course
Questions and Answers
Yannick Marcq
February - May 2003
GPRS COURSE – QUESTIONS & ANSWERS YANNICK MARCQ
Table of Contents
Table of Contents____________________________________________________________ 2
Content of my Part ___________________________________________________________ 3
Question & Answers _________________________________________________________ 4
Chapter 4 __________________________________________________________________ 4
GPRS Network Architecture ___________________________________________________ 4
4.1. Connections between the elements of the network ________________________________ 4
4.2. Use of IP, Frame Relay and ATM protocols_____________________________________ 9
Chapter 8 _________________________________________________________________ 10
Operations of GPRS_________________________________________________________ 10
8.1. GPRS Mobility Management (MM) _________________________________________ 10
8.2. GPRS session management________________________________________________ 15
8.3. Radio resource management_______________________________________________ 15
8.4. Connection management _________________________________________________ 15
8.5. Example of a TCP/IP connection to Internet ___________________________________ 15
8.6. Roaming _____________________________________________________________ 15
8.7. Relationship with the IETF Mobile IP standard_________________________________ 15
Chapter 9 _________________________________________________________________ 15
Network Protocols and Signalling ______________________________________________ 15
9.1. User plane: traffic protocol stacks ___________________________________________ 15
9.2. Control plane: signalling protocol stacks ______________________________________ 15
References ________________________________________________________________ 15
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Content of my Part
Here is how I see (as agreed with Jahangir Sarker) the content of my contribution to the Q&A of the GPRS
Course. I will update it if needed to have a better structure, or if needed to have a better integration with
other parts.
• Chapter 4 - GPRS Network Architecture:

GSM/GPRS network, core network, network elements, interfaces
o Connections between the elements of the network

§ Backbone
§ PCU
§ SGSN
§ GGSN
o Use of ATM, IP, and Frame Relay protocols
• Chapter 8 – Operations of GPRS:
o GPRS mobility (MM)

§ MM states
§ Attach / detach procedures
§ Routing area updates and cell area updates
o GPRS session management
o Radio resource management
o Connection management
§ Packet Data Protocol (PDP) states
§ PDP context ac tivation, deactivation, modification
o Example of a TCP/IP connection to Internet
o Roaming
o (Relationship with the IETF Mobile IP standard).
• Chapter 9 – Network Protocols and Signalling:
o User plane: traffic protocol stacks

§ GPRS / GSM
o Control plane: signalling protocol stacks

§ SS7 (or CCITT 7)
§ Signalling protocol stacks between network elements (MS-SGSN, SGSN-HLR,
SGSN-MSC/VLR, SGSN-EIR, SGSN-SMSC, GGSN-HLR, GSN-GSN)
§ (Example of connection setup, connection and termination with AT commands )
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Question & Answers
Chapter 4
GPRS Network Architecture
4.1. Connections between the elements of the network
Q 4.1.1 What elements constitute the GPRS core network ?
A 4.1.1
- The core network of GPRS is constituted by an IP backbone network, which connect the Servi ng
and Gateway Support Nodes (SGSN and GGSN) together and to other networks. On this backbone
network, GPRS user and signalling data packets are tunnelled with the help of the GPRS Tunnelling
Protocol.
- It also includes the Packet Control Unit (PCU): GPRS user data and signalling packets are
transferred from and to the Mobile Stations through the PCU, generally located in connection with the Base
Transceiver System (BST), in the Base Station Subsystem (BSS).
Figure: GSM/GPRS network architecture.
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Figure: Overview of the GPRS Logical Architecture.
References : answers : [1]

figure : [1], [4]
Q 4.1.2 What types of backbone networks can be found in a GPRS system ?
A 4.1.2
- There are two kinds of GPRS backbone networks. These are called:
o intra-PLMN backbone network and
o inter-PLMN backbone network.
- The intra-PLMN backbone network is the IP network interconnec ting GSNs within the same PLMN.
The inter-PLMN backbone network is the IP network interconnecting GSNs and intra-PLMN backbone
networks in different PLMNs.
- Every intra-PLMN backbone network is a private IP network intended for GPRS data and GPRS
signalling only. A private IP network is an IP network to which some access control mechanism is applied
in order to achieve a required level of security. Two intra-PLMN backbone networks are connected via the
Gp interface using Border Gateways (BGs) and an inter-PLMN backbone network. The inter-PLMN
backbone network is selected by a roaming agreement that includes the BG security functionality. The BG
is not defined within the scope of GPRS. The inter-PLMN backbone can be a Packet Data Network, e.g.,
the public Internet or a leased line.
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Figure: Intra- and Inter-PLMN Backbone Networks.

figure : [1]
Q 4.1.3 What are the PCU and the CCU ?
A 4.1.3
- The Packet Control Unit (PCU) handles the connection between the GSM network’s base station
system (BSS) or the UMTS network’s UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) and the GPRS
backbone network. The PCU separates GPRS packets from circuit switched connections. Then it sends
them over to the SGSN, via the Gb interface of the GSM network, or via the Iu interface of the UMTS
network. Data are packed in PCU-frames of 320 bits. The PCU also handles part of the radio functionality
in the GPRS network, by taking care of distributing resources to GPRS users, and controlling access to the
network.
- The Channel Codec Unit (CCU) is located in the base station. It is responsible for channel coding,
including Forward Error Correction (FEC) and interleaving, radio channel related monitoring functions
including quality of service and signal strength levels.
References : answers : [1], [2]
Q 4.1.4 How are related the PCU and the CCU ?
A 4.1.4
- To send information from a Mobile Station to the GPRS network, Channel Codec Unit (CCU) comes
before the Packet Control Unit (PCU), to manage channel coding and radio channel functions before the
PCU encapsulates data in PCU-frames.
- When the PCU is remote to the Base Transceiver System (BTS), the CCU in the BTS may control
some of the functions in the remote PCU in the BSC. As well, the PCU may control some of the functions
of the CCU.
Q 4.1.5 What locations can have the PCU ?
A 4.1.5
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- It is a logical choice to locate the Packet Control Unit (PCU) in connection with the Base Station
Controller (BSC). However, according to specifications, the PCU can be physically located next to the
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) as well as next to the BTS. Logically the PCU is part of the Base
Station System or the UMTS radio system.
Figure: Remote Packet Control Unit (PCU) Positions.

figure : [1]
Q 4.1.6 What consequences have the location of the PCU on the ne twork connections ?
A 4.1.6
- If the Packet Control Unit (PCU) is located in connection with the Base Station Controller (BSC) or
the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), the Abis interface is not affected, as originally specified. This
case is also called “remote-PCU”, where the signalling between the BSC and the PCU utilises the internal
method of the PCU.
Q 4.1.7 What are the GSNs ?
A 4.1.7
- GPRS Support Node (GSN) contains functionality required to support GPRS. In one PLMN, there
may be more than one GSN.
- The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) is the node that is accessed by the packet data
network due to evaluation of the PDP address. It contains routeing information for attached GPRS users.
The routeing information is used to tunnel N-PDUs to the MS's current point of attachment, i.e., the Serving
GPRS Support Node. The GGSN may request location information from the HLR via the optional Gc
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interface. The GGSN is the first point of PDN interconnection with a GSM PLMN supporting GPRS (i.e., the
Gi reference point is supported by the GGSN).
- The Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is the node that is serving the MS (i.e., the Gb interface
is supported by the SGSN). At GPRS attach, the SGSN establishes a mobility management context
containing information pertaining to e.g., mobility and security for the MS. At PDP Context Activation, the
SGSN establishes a PDP context, to be used for routeing purposes, with the GGSN that the GPRS
subscriber will be using.
- The SGSN and GGSN functionalities may be combined in the same physical node, or they may
reside in different physical nodes. SGSN and GGSN contain IP routeing functionality, and they may be
interconnected with IP routers. When SGSN and GGSN are in different PLMNs, they are interconnected
via the Gp interface. The Gp interface provides the functionality of the Gn interface, plus security
functionality required for inter-PLMN communication. The security functionality is based on mutual
agreements between operators.
Q 4.1.8 What kind of connection exists between the SGSN and the GGSN ?
A 4.1.8
- Connection between Serving GPRS Support Nodes (SGSN) and Gateway GPRS Support Nodes
(GGSN) tunnels packet data using GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP), which rely on TCP or UDP over IP.
So this connection can be set up using any technology which allows the establishment of an IP connection
at a reasonable speed in compliance with the specifications. The physical network underneath SGSN and
GGSN connections has been left to the choice of the network architect, and thus both Ethernet local area
networks and ATM networks could be used.
Q 4.1.9 How is seen a GPRS network from an external network ?
A 4.1.9
- A transmission connection within the GPRS network is defined for a route between a GPRS
terminal and a GGSN element, or between two GSN elements. Moreover, the application layer of the
GPRS network works over the IP protocol.
- So a GPRS network will be viewed as a normal IP network or subnetwork behind a gateway from
the outside. The Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) acts as an intermediate device between IP
networks and GPRS network. From an external point of view GGSN acts as a normal router, giving access
to the GPRS network.
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Figure: GPRS architecture: Connection to external data networks

figures : [2]
4.2. Use of IP, Frame Relay and ATM protocols

Q 4.2.1 Where is used the Frame Relay protocol in a GPRS network ?
A 4.2.1
- The Frame Relay protocol (a layer 2 protocol) is used in case of the integration of GPRS in a GSM
system, to achieve connections between the GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and the GPRS network
(this is the Gb interface).
Q 4.2.2 Where is used the ATM protocol in the core network of a GPRS system ?
A 4.2.2
- The ATM protocol is used in case of the integration of GPRS in a UMTS system, to achieve
connections between the GSM Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and the GPRS network.
- It could be used underneath IP in the GPRS backbone network (between Serving and Gateway
GPRS Support Nodes), depending on the choice of the operator network architect. In this case, other
options are for example an Ethernet local network or ISDN links.
Q 4.2.3 Where is used the IP protocol in a GPRS network ?
A 4.2.3
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- IP is used in the GPRS backbone network to route the user’s data and initial signalling. So we find
as the network layer of connections betweens GRPS Support Nodes (GSNs), underneath UDP datagrams
that carry GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) PDUs.
- It can be used in a higher level in the stack of user data application transmissions, to provide
network layer functionalities to the applications. So in this case it concerns transmissions between a Mobile
Station (MS) and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), that will route the application data packet to a
the correct IP address (it can be inside, or outside the PLMN network).
References : answers : [1], [2], [3]
Chapter 8
Operations of GPRS
8.1. GPRS M obility Management (MM)

Q 8.1.1 Define briefly Mobility management and its main objectives.
A 8.1.1
- Mobility Management is a set of functionalities defined to keep track of the user terminals, i.e.
Mobile Stations (MS). In order to track the MS, the cells (i.e. BTS, Base Transceiver System) in a given
service area are partitioned into several groups. Then, to deliver a service to a MS, the cells in the group
covering the MS will page the MS to establish the radio link . Location update will be made.
- Mobility Management procedures are achieved between the MS and the SGSN it is connected to,
since this SGSN represents to the MS point of view the access to the GPRS network.
- So Mobility Management procedures are aimed to support the mobility of user terminals, to inform
the network of the present set of information about user terminals. It is also responsible for protecting the
identity of users’ identity, and serving as a provider for connection management services, for higher layers .
- The information sets held at the MS and the SGSN, to perform Mobility Management, are distinct
from the PDP context. They are called MM contexts.
Q 8.1.2 What protocols take care of Mobility Management ? What are their functionalities ?
A 8.1.2
- Mobility Management procedures are achieved in the network communication mechanisms of

GPRS signalling stack: GMM/SM (stands for GPRS Mobility Management / Session Management)
protocol is a layer 3 protocol, on top of the LLC data link layer.
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Figure: Mobility Management protocol stack.
- GM/SM supports mobility management functionalities such as:

o GPRS attach;
o GPRS detach;
o Security;
o Routeing area update;
o Location update;
o PDP context activation;
o PDP context deactivation.
Q 8.1.3 Describe the Mobility Management three-state model.
A 8.1.3
- Location management can be divided in two strategies: attach and detach procedures, and location
updates. Their use depends on the current traffic amount and the frequency needed to update the location
information. To deal with it, a three-state model is introduced.
- This model is constituted by three states, called IDLE, READY and STANDBY. Model is slightly
different in non-anonymous and anonymous access cases.
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Figure: Functional of Mobility Management State Model
Figure: Functional of Anonymous Access Mobility Management State Model
- In IDLE state, MS is not reachable (for GPRS connections): no location update is performed, and so
the current location of the MS is unknown to the network. To enable GPRS connections, the MS must
move to the READY state, by performing a GPRS Attach.
- In READY state, the MS informs its SGSN of every movement to a new cell, so no paging is
needed. If a GPRS Detach is performed, the MS reverts back to the IDLE state, and when an MS does not
send any packets for a longer period of time, the READY timer expires and the MS enters the STANDBY
state.
- In STANDBY state, the SGSN is aware of the MS’s location by Routing Area (RA). A RA is usually
composed of several cells, and so is an intermediary structure between Location Areas and cells: a LA is
composed of RA, RA which are composed of several cells. To discover the current cell of an MS, paging of
the MS within a certain RA must be performed. As shown in the figures, the transmission or reception of
PDUs will bring back to the READY state, so paging won’t be necessary anymore during the transfer.

figure : [1]
Q 8.1.4 What are the purpose of the Attach and the Detach procedures ?
A 8.1.4
- Before a mobile station can use GPRS services, it must register with an SGSN of the GPRS
network. In the attach procedure, the MS provides its identity and an indication of which type of attach (PS,
packet switched; CS, circuit switched; or a CS/PS) that is to be executed. The identity provided to the
network is the MS's Packet TMSI (P -TMSI, Packet Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) or IMSI
(International Mobile Subscriber Identity).
- Once the MS initiates the attach procedure by the transmission of an Attach Request message to
the SGSN and attachment is complete, information sets held at the MS and the SGSN are updated,
denoted as MM context. During attachment, user authentication and as well as an optional equipment
identity is performed, together with updates of the location of the MS initiated by the SGSN towards the
new MSC/VLR.
- The disconnection process of the MS from the network is known as the GPRS Detach procedure.
As with the attachment procedure, detachment can also be CS, PS or a combined CS/PS Detach, the
difference being that the detachment can be initiated by either the MS or the network (SGSN or HLR).
- The PS Detach procedure allows an MS to inform the network that it does not want access the
SGSN-based services any longer, or the network to inform an MS that it does not have access to the
SGSN-based services any more. The HLR-Initiated Detach procedure initiated by the HLR is used for
8.5.2003 12 / 32
operator-determined purposes to request the removal of a subscriber's MM and PDP contexts at the
SGSN.
- The MS can be detached either explicitly or implicitly. For an explicit detach, the network or the MS
explicitly requests detach, while in an implicit detach, the network detaches the MS, without notifying the
MS once a configuration-dependent time after a mobile reachable timer expires, or after an irrecoverable
radio error causes a disconnection of the logical link.
Q 8.1.5 Describe how the Attach procedure works.
A 8.1.5
- With the attach procedure, the MS informs the network of its presence. Figure 8.1.5 illustrates the
message flow of the combined Packet Switched / Circuit Switched (GPRS/IMSI) attach procedure.
Figure 8.1.5: Combined PS/CS (GPRS/IMSI) Attach Procedure.
- Step 1. The MS initiates the attach procedure by sending the Attach Request message to the
SGSN. Besides the MS network access capability, the message includes parameters such as MS radio
access capability, or security parameters.
- When the SGSN receives the attach request at the end of Step 1, there are several possibilities:
o If the MS has changed SGSN since last detach, then Step 2 is executed so that the new
SGSN can obtain the MS identity (i.e., IMSI) form the old SGSN.
o If the MS has not changed SGSN, then the received P-TMSI is used by the SGSN to identify
the MM context of the MS.
o If the MM context has not been deleted since last detach (i.e., the MS is known by the new
SGSN), then steps 2-6 are skipped, and Step 7 is executed.
o Otherwise (the MS is not known by the old and the new SGSNs), Step 2 is skipped, and Step
3 is executed.
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- Step 2 (the MS is known by the old SGSN). The new SGSN sends the Identification Request
message to the old SGSN. The P-TMSI is used to obtain the IMSI and authentication information from the
old SGSN.
o If the old SGSN cannot find the MM context for the MS, then Step 3 is executed.
o Otherwise the IMSI is returned to the new SGSN, and Step 4 is executed.
- Step 3 (the MS is unknown in both the old and the new SGSNs). The new SGSN asks the MS
to supply IMSI through the Identity Request and Response messages exchange.
- Step 4. Authentication is mandatory if the MM context of the MS has been deleted since last
detach. The equipment (IMEI) may be optionally checked.
- Step 5. If the MS has moved from the old SGSN to the new SGSN since last detach or if the MS is
performing the first attach, then the RA update procedure is executed so that the new SGSN can obtain
the current MM context of the MS.
- Step 6. If the Gs interface does not exist, then this step is skipped. Otherwise (Gs exists), the attach
type in Step 1 is checked. If attach type indicates (1) combined PS/CS attach or (2) PS attach and the MS
is already CS attach, then LA update is performed. The LA update is required so that the SGSN-VLR
association is established and the VLR can maintain current LA information of the MS.
- Step 7. If attach is successful, then the SGSN selects radio priority SMS and sends the Attach
Accept message to the MS. P-TMSI is included in the message if the SGSN allocates a new P-TMSI.
- Step 8. If P-TMSI or TMSI have been changed, the MS sends the Attach Complete message to the
SGSN to acknowledge receipt of the TMSIs.
- Step 9. If TMSI has been changed, the SGSN sends the TMSI Reallocation Complete message to
the VLR.
After PS attach, the MS is in the READY state and MM contexts are established in the MS and the SGSN.
Q 8.1.6 Describe how the Detach procedure works.
A 8.1.6
- When Packet Switched (PS) detach is executed, the MS will not receive the SGSN-based service
anymore. The network or the MS may request detach explicitly. On the other hand, implicit PS detach is
executed by the network (without notifying the MS) if the mobile reachable timer expires or when radio path
is disconnected due to errors. After implicit PS detach is performed, the MS’s MM context is deleted after
an implementation dependent timeout period. The PS detach procedure also inactivates the PDP contexts.
Figure 8.1.6.1 shows the proceeding of a MS initiated GPRS detach procedure, while figure 8.1.6.2 shows
an SGSN initiated detach.
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Figure 8.1. 6.1: MS initiated Detach Procedure.
Figure 8.1. 6.2: SGSN initiated Det ach Procedure.
Q 8.1.7 Compare MM and PDP contexts.
A 8.1.7
- Mobility Management (MM) context provides mobility information of an MS, while Packet Data
Protocol (PDP) context provides information to support packet delivery between an MS and the network.
While an MS may be associated with several PDP contexts, it only has one MM context. The MM context
is maintained in MS and SGSN. The PDP contexts are maintained in MS, SGSN, and GGSN.
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Q 8.1.8 What set of information does contain the Mobility Management context ?
A 8.1.8
- The MM context contains different sets of information, depending on the node you consider (Serving
GPRS Support Node, SGSN or Mobile Station, MS).
- In a MS, the following information is stored to constitute an MM context:

o International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI);
o MM state;
o P-TMSI and P-TMSI signature;
o routing area;
o location information (cell identity);
o radio resource information (radio priority SMS, the RLC/MAC radio priority level for uplink
SMS transmission);
o MS network access capability;
o CKSN, ciphering key sequence number of Kc, the ciphering key;
o ciphering algorithm;
o and DRX parameters.
- In the SGSN related to this MS, the following information is stored to constitute an MM context:
o IMSI;
o MM state;
o P-TMSI and P-TMSI signature;
o International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI);
o Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN);
o routing area;
o location information (cell identity and cell identity age);
o radio resource information (radio access capability, to define MS’s GPRS multislot capabilities
and so on ; discontinuous reception (DRX) parameters ; radio priority SMS);
o VLR number;
o MS network access capability;
o new SGSN address;
o authentication triplets;
o Kc (currently used ciphering key);
o selected ciphering algorithm;
o subscribed charging characteristics;
o and several flags…
Q 8.1.9 What set of information does contain the Packet Data Protocol context ?
A 8.1.9
- The MM context contains different sets of information, depending on the node you consider (Serving
GPRS Support Node, SGSN or Mobile Station, MS).
- In a MS, the following information is stored to constitute an MM context:
o PDP route information includes PDP context identifier, PDP state, PDP type, and PDP
address;
o Access Point Name (APN) information includes APN subscribed and APN in use. An APN
represents an external network that can be accessed by the MS;
o Radio Resource Information: radio priority ;
o PDU Information : GPRS SGSN maintains Send N-PDU number (SNDCP sequence number
of the next downlink N-PDU to be sent to the MS), Receive N-PDU number (SNDCP
sequence number of the next uplink N-PDU to be received from the MS), packet flow identifier
and aggregate BSS QoS profile negotiated;
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o QoS information includes QoS profile subscribed, QoS profile requested and QoS profile
negotiated;
o N-PDU information includes GTP-SND and GTP-SNU. The GTP-SND (GTP-SNU) parameter
is the GTP sequence number of the N-PDU to be sent from the SGSN to the MS (GGSN).
o Charging information includes charging id;
o Other routing information includes NSAPI, TI, TEID for Gn/Gp, GGSN address in use, and
VPLMN address allowed. Network layer Service Access Point Identifier (NSAPI) is used by
LLC to route the N-PDUs to appropriate higher layer protocols such as signaling, SMS, or
packet data protocols. Transaction identifier (TI) is used to represent NSAPI for some session
management signaling messages;
o Subscribed Charging Characteristics can be normal, prepaid, flat-rate, and /or hot billing.
- SGSN related to this MS, the following information is stored to constitute an MM context:
o PDP type, PDP address, PDP state ;

o dynamic address allowed ;
o APN requested ;
o Radio Resource Information : radio priority ;
o PDU Delivery Information : BSS packet flow identifier, Send N-PDU number and Receive N-
PDU number ;
o NSAPI, TI;
o QoS profile requested, QoS profile negotiated;
o and a flag.
Q 8.1.10 Why radio re source information for SMS is kept in the MM context, while the radio
resource information for user data is maintained in the PDP context ?
A 8.1.10
- The PDP context is defined for data transfer in the user plane. On the other hand, the MM context is
defined for mobility management signaling in the control plane. SMS is delivered through the control plane
by using common channel, which is more efficient than delivery through the user plane. Furthermore,
through the control plane, the same SMS transfer procedure is used for both circuit switched and packet
switched domains. Thus, the radio resource information for SMS is kept in the MM context.
Q 8.1.11 How Mobility Management states and Packet Data Protocol and Mobility Management
contexts are related ?
A 8.1.11
- The status of an MM/PDP context is affected by the MM states. Relationship between the MM
states and the contexts is summarized in table 8.1.11 and is described as follows.
Table 8.1.11 : Relationship between the MM states and contexts.
IDLE STANDBY READY

Context MS SGSN GGSN MS SGSN GGSN MS SGSN GGSN
MM R/S R/S - M M - M M -
PDP R/S R/S R R/M R/M R/M R/M R/M R/M
- S : context kept but stale;

- R : context removed;
- - : context doesn’t exist;
- M : context maintained.
- In the IDLE state, the PDP context in the GGSN is deleted. The MM and PDP contexts in MS and
SGSN may or may not be deleted. If the MM state moves from STANDBY to IDLE because the mobile
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reachable timer expires (e.g., the MS is temporarily out of the GPRS coverage), then these two contexts
shall not be deleted. In this case, the location and routing information is stale.
- In the STANDBY state, valid MM contexts are maintained in the MS and the SGSN. In this state,
the PDP context can be activated and deactivated. The LLC link is connected.
- In the READY state, valid MM contexts are maintained in the MS and the SGSN. As in the
STANDBY, the MS may initiate PDP context activation and deactivation.
Q 8.1.12 Explain why the notion of Routing Areas (RA) have been introduced between cells and
Location Areas (LA) in GPRS ?
A 8.1.12
- The main task of location management is to keep track of the user’s current location, so that
incoming packets can be routed to his or her MS. For this purpose, the MS frequently sends location
update messages to its current SGSN.
- If the MS sends updates rather seldom, its location (e.g. its current cell) is not known exactly, and
paging is necessary for each downlink packet, resulting in a significant delivery delay. On the other hand, if
location updates happen very often, the MS’s location is well known to the network, and the data packets
can be delivered without any additional paging delay. However, quite a lot of uplink radio capacity and
battery power is consumed for mobility management in this case.
- Thus a good location management strategy must be a compromise between these two extreme
methods. So Routing Areas are used along with the 3-state model (IDLE / READY / STANDBY) in order to
manage the location management depending on the current traffic amount, with the location frequency
being dependent on the state of the MS.
Q 8.1.13 There are 3 operation modes for paging co-ordination. Give a short description of each of
them.
A 8.1.13
- The network may provide co-ordination of paging for circuit-switched (CS) and packet-switched (PS)
services. Paging co-ordination means that the network sends paging messages for circuit-switched
services on the same channel as used for packet-switched services, i.e., on the GPRS paging channel or
on the GPRS traffic channel; and the MS needs only to monitor that channel. Three network operation
modes (see table 8.1.13) are defined:
- 1. Network operation mode I: the network sends a CS paging message for a GPRS attached MS,
either on the same channel as the GPRS paging channel (i.e., the packet paging channel or the CCCH
paging channel), or on a GPRS traffic channel. This means that the MS needs only to monitor one paging
channel, and that it receives CS paging messages on the packet data channel when it has been assigned
a packet data channel.
- 2. Network operation mode II: the network sends a CS paging message for a GPRS attached MS
on the CCCH paging channel, and this channel is also used for GPRS paging. This means that the MS
needs only to monitor the CCCH paging channel, but that CS paging continues on this paging channel
even if the MS has been assigned a packet data channel.
- 3. Network operation mode III: the network sends a CS paging message for a GPRS attached MS
on the CCCH paging channel, and sends a GPRS paging message on either the packet paging channel (if
allocated in the cell) or on the CCCH paging channel. This means that an MS that wants to receive pages
for both circuit-switched and packet-switched services shall monitor both paging channels if the packet
paging channel is allocated in the cell. No paging co-ordination is performed by the network.
Table 8.1.13 : Network Operation Modes for GPRS.
8.5.2003 18 / 32
Mode Circuit Paging Channel GPRS Paging Channel Paging co-ordinati on

Packet Paging Channel Packet Paging Channel
I CCCH Paging Channel CCCH Paging Channel Yes
Packet Data Channel Not Applicable
II CCCH Paging Channel CCCH Paging Channel No
CCCH Paging Channel Packet Paging Channel
III No
CCCH Paging Channel CCCH Paging Channel
8.2. GPRS session management

Q 8.2.1 What is the aim of session management ?
A 8.2.1
- The aim of session management (SM) is to support Packet Data Protocol (PDP) context handling of
the user terminal. After a successfully attach (anonymous or identified) of the Mobile Station (MS), a PDP
context is created describing the characteristics of the session. Other procedures that SM deals with are
the PDP context modification and deactivation.
Q 8.2.2 What is the relation between PDP contexts and PDP addresses ?
A 8.2.2
- To exchange data packets with external PDNs, a mobile station must apply for one or more
addresses used in the PDN. These addresses are called PDP addresses. Each PDP address is described
by one or more PDP contexts in the MS or the network. If more then one PDP contexts are activated for
the same address then a Traffic Template Flow (TFT) for each additional context is used. A TFT consists of
from one to eight packet filters, each identified by a unique packet filter identifier. The TFT is sent
transparently via the SGSN to the GGSN to enable packet classification for the downlink data transfer.
Q 8.2.3 Describe briefly the PDP state and its functioning.
A 8.2.3
- The functional of the PDP state model can be resumed to two states: INACTIVE and ACTIVE. The
INACTIVE state characterizes the data service for a user that is not activated, whereas in the ACTIVE state
the PDP context is activated in MS, SGSN and GGSN and data transfer is possible.
8.5.2003 19 / 32
Figure 8.2.3: PDP state model.
- The ACTIVE state is triggered by the MS or by the network when Activate PDP context is initiated.
This is possible only when the user is connected or its MM stat e is STANBY or READY. A MS is moved to
INACTIVE state when the deactivation procedure is initiated or when the MM state changes to IDLE.
Q 8.2.4 What kind of PDP address allocation can be found ?
A 8.2.4
- The allocation of the PDP address can be static or dynamic. The static address is assigned
permanently to the MS by the user's Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN). The dynamic PDP
address is assigned only after a PDP context is activated and can be performed either by the HPLMN or by
the (Visited Public Land Mobile Network) VPLMN. The HPLMN operator defines in the subscription
whether a dynamic HPLMN or VPLMN PDP address can be used. The responsibility of allocation and
release of the dynamic PDP addresses belongs to the GGSN.
- Additionally, there is a third way of PDP addressing namely External PDN Address Allocation where
the PDN operator or administrator assigns an IP address to the MS after a PDP context has been
activated. In this case, the responsibility of releasing the PDP address belongs to the MS or to the PDN
using protocols such as DHCP or MIP.
Q 8.2.5 Describe the procedure followed during a MS initiated PDP Context Activation.
A 8.2.5
- Figure 8.2.5 shows the procedure followed during a MS initiated PDP Context Activation.
Figure 8.2.5: MS initiated PDP Context Activation.
- Step 1. To request a PDP context activation, the MS sends to the SGSN an Activate PDP Context
Request message containing the selected NSAPI, PDP type, requested QoS and, if the static address is
requested, the PDP address. Also the MS can indicate an Access Point Name as a reference point to a
certain external packet data network and/or to select a specific service that the subscriber wants to connect
to. If dynamic PDP address assignment is requested the parameter PDP address is left empty, otherwise
the PDP address is indicated from the beginning.
8.5.2003 20 / 32
- Step 2. Some usual security functions (e.g. authentication) can be performed as well as tracking.
- Step 4. If BSS trace is activated then the SGSN sends an Invoke Track (Track Reference, Trace
Type, Trigger Id) to the BSS. Both security and tracking functions are optional.
- Step 5. After receiving the request for PDP context activation, the SGSN sends a ‘Create PDP
Context Request’ to the affected GGSN. The GGSN creates a new entry in its PDP context table, which
enables the GGSN to route packets between the GGSN and the external PDN. Afterward, the GGSN
returns a confirmation message ‘Create PDP context response’ to the SGSN.
Q 8.2.6 Give four reasons why a Network Requested PDP Context Activation Procedure can be
unsuccessful.
A 8.2.6
- The reasons for which the PDP context(s) could not have been established are:
• ‘IMSI not known’: meaning that the SGSN has no MM context for that IMSI;
• ‘MS GPRS Detached’: indicating that the MM state of the MS is IDLE;
• ‘MS Not GPRS Responding’: in this case the MS is GPRS attached to the SGSN but the MS does
not respond due to the lack of a response to a GPRS Paging Request, abnormal RLC conditions
or no Activate PDP Context Request message received within a certain time after the Request
PDP Context message was delivered to the MS;
• ‘MS Refuses’: when the MS explicitly refuses the PDP context activation procedure.
Q 8.2.7 Describe the procedure followed during a MS initiated PDP Context Deactivation.
A 8.2.7
- The MS initiated Context Deactivation procedure is illustrated by figure 8.2.7.
Figure 8.2.7: MS initiated PDP Context Deactivation.
- After the MS initiates the deactivation request, the SGSN and the GGSN deactivate all the PDP
contexts associated with that PDP address. If the MS was using a dynamic PDP address allocated by the
GGSN and if the context being activated is the last PDP context associated with this PDP address, then
8.5.2003 21 / 32
the GGSN releases this PDP address and makes it available for the subsequent activation by other MS.
The delete PDP Context messages are sent over the backbone network.
Q 8.2.8 Explain briefly the purpose of the Anonymous Access PDP Context Activation Procedure,
and its differences with the non anonymous one.
A 8.2.8
- The purpose of this procedure is to anonymously establish a PDP context between the MS and the
network for a specific QoS on a certain NSAPI. The activation can be initiated only by the MS and only
dynamic PDP addressing can be used. The steps taken by the activation procedure are mainly the same
as in the non-anonymous case. In this case no identification and subscription checking are performed. The
MS uses a random TLLI at the RLC/MAC layer for identification purposes.
Q 8.2.9 Describe the procedure followed during a GGSN initiated Anonymous Access PDP Context
Deactivation.
A 8.2.9
- If a misuse or a fraud of the anonymous context is detected then the GGSN initiates a deactivation
procedure independently of the READY timer expiry. The procedure is illustrated by figure 8.2.9.
Figure 8.2.9: GGSN initiated Anonymous Access PDP Context Deactivation procedure.
- After the GGSN sends a request for context deactivation, the SGSN can ask the MS for
identification. The MS should respond with an Identity Response message containing its IMSI or IMEI. After
receiving the Deactivate AA PDP Context Request message, the MS removes its PDP context and sends
a message of acceptance back to the SGSN. Regardless if the MS accepts or not the deactivation
procedure the SGSN sends the Delete AA PDP Context message over the backbone network.
8.5.2003 22 / 32
8.3. Radio resource management
8.4. Connection management
8.5. Example of a TCP/IP connection to Internet
8.6. Roaming
8.7. Relationship with the IETF Mobile IP standard
Chapter 9
Network Protocols and Signalling
9.1. User plane: traffic protocol stacks

Q 9.1.1 What protocols GPRS introduce compared to GSM in the user data transmission plane ?
For which connections ?
A 9.1.1
- In the scope of data transmissions, GPRS specifications don’t define layers above the network
layer.
- One new method is the use of the Frame Relay network, in the data link layer, in between the GSM
base station subsystem and the GPRS network (Gb interface). Respectively, ATM will be used instead of
Frame Relay technology to connect a UMTS radio network to a GPRS network.
- Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP) is used on top of the Frame Relay protocol, to
provide a link between PCU (Packet Control Unit) and SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node).
- Above this, to transport (transparently) user data application packets from the Mobile Station to the
GPRS network (i.e. to the Serving GPRS Support Node, SGSN), Subnetwork Dependent Convergence
Protocol (SNDCP) has been defined. Its role is to map network-level characteristics onto the characteristics
of the underlying GPRS network.
- The network layer of the GPRS backbone network (Gn interface) introduces the use of IP, to link
SGSN to GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node).
- Above this network layer, to transport user data packets on the GPRS backbone, GTP (GPRS
Tunnelling Protocol) has been defined. It tunnels user data and signalling between GPRS Support Nodes
(SGSN and GGSN) in the GPRS backbone network. GTP will be on top of TCP for protocols that need a
reliable data link (e.g. X.25), or UDP if no reliable data link is required (e.g. IP).
8.5.2003 23 / 32
Figure: GPRS transmission plane protocols.
References : answers : [1], [2], [3]

figure : [3]
Q 9.1.2 In GPRS, under GTP two alternative protocols are defined: UDP and TCP. For what UDP or
TCP is used ?
A 9.1.2
- The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is used for GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) signalling. It’s
always the case between two GPRS Support Node (GSN) elements, and it’s one of two alternatives
between a SGSN and the Home Location Register (HLR), requiring in that case a protocol adaptation
function.
- UDP is used to protect GTP-protocol packet data units, for user level IP and other connectionless
protocols that don’t require a reliable link (packets can be lost);
- The Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is used for user level X.25 and other connection oriented
protocols that require a reliable link.
Q 9.1.3 In GPRS, under GTP two alternative protocols are defined: UDP and TCP. Why GTP is not
directly on top of IP ?
A 9.1.3
- If the GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP) had been defined just of top of IP, it should take care of
packet fragmentation and flow control; but TCP and UDP provide that service.
Q 9.1.4 In GPRS, under GTP two alternative protocols are defined: UDP and TCP. If UDP/IP and
TCP/IP under GTP are replaced with another protocol stack, what would be the main requirements
the new stack should fulfil?
A 9.1.4
- The stack should carry variable length packets;

8.5.2003 24 / 32
- Can provide reliable data transport (like TCP);

- Can carry datagrams, which won’t be delayed because of retransmissions (like UDP), for signalling
and IP type of user data.
Q 9.1.5 Between a MS and the network, there are two protocol layers: LLC (between MS and SGSN)
and RLC (between MS and BSS) that can do retransmission of packets. Why is it needed to have
the retransmission in two levels ?
A 9.1.5
- Two levels of acknowledgement are needed for 3 main reasons:
• First, the radio interface is quite unreliable (up to 10% of RLC blocks can be lost). With a such level
of loss, Logical Link Control (LLC) packets can’t be transmitted without errors, unless Radio Link Control
(RLC) retransmission is used;
• Then, LLC retransmission is needed because RLC level acknowledgement does not cope with LLC
frame loss (that can be due to cell changes, for example). In case of cell change or other exceptional event
on the radio interface, the LLC level can ensure data consistency and no data loss;
• And LLC’s CRC also detects RLC level errors, and rejects residual errors that RLC level’s
undetected errors cause.
References : answers : []
Q 9.1.6 When the retransmission can be used in Logical Link Control (LLC) and Radio Link Control
(RLC) levels ?
A 9.1.6
- Session oriented data (like X.25), sometimes connectionless user data (like IP): RLC and LLC;
- Connection oriented data (some times with IP): RLC but not LLC;
- Signalling and SMS: RLC but not LLC;
- Time critical data that does not tolerate retransmission delays: not RLC, neither LLC;
- LLC retransmission without RLC retransmission is not used in practice.
Q 9.1.7 In the SNDCP (Subnetwork Dependent Convergence Protocol) layer, the GPRS standard
defines possibility to use compression. What are the benefits and disadvantages of the
compression in SNDCP layer ?
A 9.1.7
- Benefits:
• Saves transfer time (less data to send);
• Increases throughput (more data can be sent);
• Works also with old protocols that has no own compression (like X.25);
• More efficient than in RLC (Radio Link Control) level compression.
- Disadvantages:
• Needs memory;
• Consumes more battery/CPU;
• Does not work with already compressed data or with end-to-end security;
• MS-SGSN (Mobile Station – Serving GPRS Support Node) may only implement some of
the compression algorithms.
8.5.2003 25 / 32
Q 9.1.8 In GPRS, the LLC (Logical Link Control) protocol supports both acknowledge (I-frames) and
unacknowledged (UI -frames) data transmission modes. Let’s assume we use a session oriented
end-user protocol (e.g. TCP/IP), that runs on top of the GPRS bearer. In principle, both
acknowledge and unacknowledged data transmission modes could be used in the LLC layer to
support end-user TCP/IP sessions.
Which LLC data transmission mode would you select, and why ?
A 9.1.8
- I-frames can be chosen because:

• It guarantees that all packets are delivered and causes less retransmissions;
• It may provide much better throughput because there is no need for end-to-end
retransmission (in most cases, the Mobile Station gets all packets).
- UI-frames can be chosen because:

• TCP handles retransmission, so we don’t need to ensure this functionality again;
• Retransmission in the GPRS level may cause long delays, which may confuse TCP and
generate huge number of retransmissions on the user’s TCP level.
Q 9.1.9 Currently, the SGSN has three different interfaces: IP (Gn and Gp interface), Frame Relay
(Gb interface) and MAP (Gd, Gr and Gs interfaces). If SGSN evolves in a way to use only IP, acting
such as a IP-to-IP-to-IP node, will it be still needed, or can it be integrated in the GGSN ?
A 9.1.9
- Yes, the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) is still needed:
• There is always need to have access to the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) entity
from a SGSN entity (e.g. when roaming). As a consequence not much is gained by merging those
two nodes;
• A SGSN hides the mobility within its area and the radio issues related from the GGSN;
• It is easier to add new end user protocols by adding new GGSNs;
• It is much easier to scale components when they are separated, because they handle less
functions;
• The separation of the two elements provides a better reliability.
- No, they can be combined:
• The protocol will be simplified, and they’re won’t be the need to carry IP packets between
nodes;
• As a result, better performance can be obtained with this approach (performance could be
a lot improve with an hardware implementation, in that case);
• The management of a single entity is easier.
9.2. Control plane: signalling protocol stacks

Q 9.2.1 For what connections is used the SS7 protocol stack in GPRS ?
A 9.2.1
8.5.2003 26 / 32
- Signalling System #7 (SS7, also known as CCITT7) is used between SGSN (Serving GPRS
Support Node) and: HLR (Home Location Register), MSC/VLR (Mobile services Switching Center / Visitors
Location Register), EIR (Equipment Identity Register), SMSC (Short Message Service Center).
- It is also used between GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node) and HLR.
Figure: GSM/GPRS network architecture.
Figure: Signalling Protocol stack on the Gr interface (SGSN-HLR); use of SS7
Q 9.2.2 Why SS7 has been chosen to be used in GPRS networks ?
A 9.2.2
- In order to simplify the implementation, the signalling to GSM-entities (e.g. Home Location Register,
HLR) is SS7 based (the same as for GSM and PSTN networks). However, interworking between IP-based
and SS7-based transport has been defined (see figure).
- On the other hand, SS7 is not used over the Gn interface (between GPRS Support Nodes, GSNs ).
The reason is simple: since GPRS is conceived to support packet services, IP-based transport was the
natural choice wherever this was possible.
8.5.2003 27 / 32
Figure: Signalling Plane GGSN-HLR using GTP and MAP protocol adaptation function
Q 9.2. 3 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the MTP layer ?
A 9.2.3
- The Message Transfer Part protocols (levels 2 and 3) can be found on the Gr (SGSN-HLR), Gs
(SGSN-MSC/VLR), Gf (SGSN-EIR), Gd (SGSN-SMSC) and Gc (GGSN-HLR) interfaces. The MTP 1 is not
mandatory, because the physical layer of the signalling stacks has been left undefined.
- The level 2 of MTP provides link -layer functionality. It ensures that the two end point s of a signalling
link can reliably exchange signalling messages. It incorporates such capabilities as error checking, flow
control, and sequence checking.
- The level 3 of MTP extends the functionality provided by MTP level 2, to provide network layer
functionality. It ensures that messages can be delivered between signalling points across the SS7 network,
regardless of whether they are directly connected. It includes such capabilities as node addressing, routing,
alternate routing, and congestion control.
Q 9.2. 4 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the SCCP layer ?
A 9.2.4
- The Signalling Connection Control Part can be found on the Gr (SGSN-HLR), Gs (SGSN-
MSC/VLR), Gf (SGSN-EIR), Gd (SGSN-SMSC) and Gc (GGSN-HLR) interfaces .
- SCCP initiates and monitors signalling in parallel with the respective layer (e.g. TUP and ISUP) of
the PSTN. It provides two major functions that are lacking in the MTP. The first is the capability to address
applications within a signalling point. While MTP network-management messages and basic call-setup
messages are addressed to a node as a whole, other messages are used by separate applications
(referred to as subsystems), within a node. Examples of subsystem are 800 call processing.
- The second function provided by the SCCP is the ability to perform incremental routing using a
capability called Global Title Translation (GTT); GTT frees originating signalling points from the burden of
having to know every potential destination to which they might have to route a message. A switch can
8.5.2003 28 / 32
originate a query, for example, and address it to an STP (Signalling Transfer Point) along with a request for
GTT. The receiving STP can then examine a portion of the message, make a determination as to where
the message should be routed, and then route it.
Q 9.2. 5 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the TCAP layer ?
A 9.2.5
- The Transaction Capabilities Application Part can be found on the Gr (SGSN-HLR), Gf (SGSN-
EIR), Gd (SGSN-SMSC) and Gc (GGSN-HLR) interfaces.
- TCAP defines the messages and protocol used to communicate between applications in nodes. It is
used for database services such as 800 numbers, as well as switch-to-switch services including repeat
dialling and call return. Because TCAP messages must be delivered to individual applications within the
nodes they address, they use SCCP for transport.
Q 9.2. 6 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the MAP layer ?
A 9.2.6
- The Mobile Application Part can be found on the Gr (SGSN-HLR), Gf (SGSN-EIR), Gd (SGSN-
SMSC) and Gc (GGSN-HLR) interfaces.
- MAP defines operations and procedures for the control and presentation of subscriber information
to ensure that roaming and messaging services can take place. MAP uses TCAP, SCCP and MTP as
transport layers. The call control signalling is typically carried out using an ISUP derivative; this is important
because there are points of interconnection between the mobile network and the fixed network.
Q 9.2.7 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the BSSAP+ layer ?
A 9.2.7
- The BSS Application Part “plus ” can be found on the Gs (SGSN-MSC/VLR) interface. It’s an
evolution of the BSSAP, designed to support packet switched speech connections, in order to improve the
use of radio resources.
- The Gs interface connects the databases in the MSC/VLR and the SGSN. The procedures of the
BSSAP+ protocol are used to co-ordinate the location information of MSs that are IMSI (International
Mobile Subscriber Identity) attached to both GPRS and non-GPRS services. The Gs interface is also used
to convey some circuit switched related procedures via the SGSN.
8.5.2003 29 / 32
Figure: Signalling Protocol stack on the Gs interface (SGSN-MSC/VLR)
References : answers : [GSM 09.18 version 7. 5.0 release 1998]
Q 9.2.8 In SS7 signalling system, what is the role of the GMM layer ?
A 9.2.8
- The GPRS Mobility Management protocol is used on the Um and Gb interfaces, between MS, BSS
and SGSN.
- GPRS uses the GSM MM (Mobility Management) protocol. Here it is known as the GPRS MM
protocol (GMM). The main function of the MM sub-layer is to support the mobility of user terminals, for
instance, informing the network of its present location and providing user identity confidentiality. A further
function of the GMM sub-layer is to provide connection management services to the different entities of the
upper Connection Management (CM) sub-layer.
Figure: Signalling Protocol stack on Um and Gb interfaces (MS-BSS-SGSN)
References : answers : [GSM 04.08]
Q 9.2. 9 What type of signalling protocols has been defined between GSNs ?
A 9.2.9
8.5.2003 30 / 32
- The signalling plane in this case relates to GPRS Mobility Management functions like for example
GPRS Attach, GPRS Routeing Area Update and Activation of PDP (Packet Data Protocol) Contexts. The
signalling between GSN nodes shall be performed by the GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP).
- The GTP signalling flow is associated with but separated from, the GTP tunnels. For each GSN-
GSN pair one or more paths exist. One or more tunnels may use each path. GTP shall be the means by
which tunnels are established, used, managed and released. A path may be maintained by keep-alive
echo messages. All this ensures that a connectivity failure between GSNs can be detected in a timely
manner.
Figure: Signalling Protocol stack on the Gn interfaces (GSN-GSN)
References : answers : [GSM 09.60 version 7.10.0 release 1998]
8.5.2003 31 / 32
References
[1] ETSI EN 301 344 - GSM 03.60, “Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+) General Packet
Radio Service (GPRS) Service description - Stage 2”, version 7.9.0, September 2002.
[2] Jyrki Penttinen, “GPRS in Wireless Data, Functioning and Design of the Network ”, WSOY, ISBN 951-0-
26564-0, 2002.
[3] Tarmo Anttalainen , “Mobile Communications ”, http://nww.evitech.fi/n/tarmoan/Mobile_Communications/
[4] Carles Ferrer and Miquel Oliver, “Overview and Capacity of the GPRS”.
[5] Bilhanan Silverajan, “UMTS and GPRS Signalling Plane Protocols: Mobility Management (MM) Details”,
Tampere University of Technology, Telecommunications Laboratory.
[6] Christian Bettstetter, Hans-Jorg Vögel and Jörg Ederspächer, “GSM Phase 2+, GPRS: Architectures,
Protocols, and Air Interface”, IEEE Communications Survey, Third Quarter 1999, vol.2 no. 3.
8.5.2003 32 / 32

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GPRS Course

Questions and Answers

• Chapter 4 - GPRS Network Architecture:

o Connections between the elements of the network

o Use of ATM, IP, and Frame Relay protocols

• Chapter 8 – Operations of GPRS:

o GPRS mobility (MM)

o GPRS session management

o Radio resource management

o Example of a TCP/IP connection to Internet

o (Relationship with the IETF Mobile IP standard).

• Chapter 9 – Network Protocols and Signalling:

o User plane: traffic protocol stacks

o Control plane: signalling protocol stacks

Question & Answers

4.1. Connections between the elements of the network

Q 4.1.1 What elements constitute the GPRS core network ?

Figure: GSM/GPRS network architecture.

Figure: Overview of the GPRS Logical Architecture.

References : answers : [1]

Q 4.1.2 What types of backbone networks can be found in a GPRS system ?

Figure: Intra- and Inter-PLMN Backbone Networks.

References : answers : [1]

Q 4.1.3 What are the PCU and the CCU ?

References : answers : [1], [2]

Q 4.1.4 How are related the PCU and the CCU ?

References : answers : [1]

Q 4.1.5 What locations can have the PCU ?

Figure: Remote Packet Control Unit (PCU) Positions.

References : answers : [2]

References : answers : [2]

Q 4.1.7 What are the GSNs ?

References : answers : [1]

References : answers : [2]

Q 4.1.9 How is seen a GPRS network from an external network ?

Figure: GPRS architecture: Connection to external data networks

References : answers : [3]

4.2. Use of IP, Frame Relay and ATM protocols

References : answers : [3]

References : answers : [3]

Q 4.2.3 Where is used the IP protocol in a GPRS network ?

References : answers : [1], [2], [3]

8.1. GPRS M obility Management (MM)

References : answers : [5], [1]

- Mobility Management procedures are achieved in the network communication mechanisms of

Figure: Mobility Management protocol stack.

- GM/SM supports mobility management functionalities such as:

References : answers : [5], [1]

Q 8.1.3 Describe the Mobility Management three-state model.

Figure: Functional of Mobility Management State Model

Figure: Functional of Anonymous Access Mobility Management State Model

References : answers : [5], [1]

Q 8.1.5 Describe how the Attach procedure works.

Figure 8.1.5: Combined PS/CS (GPRS/IMSI) Attach Procedure.

Q 8.1.6 Describe how the Detach procedure works.

Figure 8.1. 6.1: MS initiated Detach Procedure.

Figure 8.1. 6.2: SGSN initiated Det ach Procedure.