What is GPRS(General Packet Radio Service) ?

GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is rapidly becoming a global standard for sending and receiving high-speed data across the GSM network. GPRS differs from GSM by being a packet based technology which is always on and available on demand to subscribers. It's a radio technology for GSM networks that adds packet-switching protocols, shorter set-up time for ISP connections, and is billed by the amount of data sent and received, rather than conventional Circuit Switched Data services on GSM networks, which are billed by the connection time.

GPRS can support flexible data transmission rates typically up to 20 or 30 Kbps (with a theoretical maximum of 171.2 Kbps), as well as continuous connection to the network.

Why GPRS?
As GSM is already the most broadly deployed digital wireless standard in the world, with over 850 million users in over 195 countries and with service provided by over 400 operators, GSM represents over 70% of today's digital wireless market. The infrastructure and technology for connecting mobile devices, for global deployment and the billing arrangements and tariff already exist making it an ideal platform for Machine to Machine applications (M2M).

GPRS now makes it possible to deploy several new devices that have previously not been suitable over traditional GSM networks due to the limitations in speed (9600bps), message length of the Short Message Service (160 characters), dial up time and costs. These applications include Point Of Sale Terminals, Vehicle tracking systems, and monitoring equipment. It's even possible to remotely access and control in-house appliances and machines.

GPRS achieves faster connection speeds thanks to two cutting-edge technologies. The first is the General Packet. Rather than sending information in a steady stream through a single channel as current phones do, a GPRS enabled device breaks the information down into "packets" and sends them over multiple channels (up to eight). Each packet travels by the quickest available route to the recipient, where it is reassembled into the original message. Sending packets by several different channels increases the speed of transmission and cuts down on signal errors.

The second big advantage with GPRS is the fact that it is a Radio Service. Like a radio, a GPRS enabled device is "always on", so as long your equipment in switched on, you have an open channel for sending and receiving data. Once you have logged on you won’t have to log on again thus speeding up the process of communicating and exchanging data with your host server.

Fixed Wireless
The term Fixed wireless is commonly used in GPRS applications and is used when referring to wireless equipment or devices that are situated in fixed locations, such as an office, a shop or at home; as opposed to devices that are mobile, such as portable computers, mobile phones and PDA's. Fixed wireless devices are normally mains powered as opposed to portable wireless devices that are normally powered from batteries.

The advantages of fixed wireless include the ability to connect with users in remote areas without the need for laying new cables. For example some developing Countries have a poor infrastructure for conventional wired PSTN telephone lines, but have excellent GSM networks. As the point-to-point signal transmissions occur through the air over the GSM network rather than through copper or fiber cables, fixed wireless devices such as Point of Sale terminals (POS) and monitoring equipment can be deployed wherever there is GSM/GPRS Network coverage.

Useful Acronyms & Buzz Words

FCC: Federal Communications Commission.
The government agency responsible for regulating telecommunications in the United States.

GPRS: General Packet Radio Service:
A GSM data transmission technique that sends and receives data in packets. It makes very efficient use of available radio spectrum, and users pay only for the volume of data sent and received.

GPS: Global Positioning System:
A series of 24 geosynchronous satellites that continuously transmit their position. Used in personal tracking, navigation and automatic vehicle location technologies

GSM: Global System for Mobile communications:
A digital cellular or PCS network used throughout the world.

Interoperability: The ability of a network to operate with other networks, such as two systems based on different protocols or technologies.

IP: Internet Protocol

PCS: Personal Communications Services:
A two-way, 1900 MHz digital voice, messaging and data service.

POS: Point-of-Sale Terminal:
A type of computer terminal used to collect and store retail sales data. Wireless POS terminals are used for remote or temporary locations.

PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network
A formal name for the world-wide telephone network.

SMS: Short Messaging Service:
Two-way electronic messages of up 160 characters.

TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol:
The standard used for transferring information and data between computers, mobile phones and other devices across the Internet.

Telematics:
The integration of wireless communications, vehicle monitoring systems and location devices.

Tri-Band:
Phones or devices that work on three frequencies, typically using 800Mhz, 1800Mhz and 1900Mhz on the digital GSM network.

UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System:
Europe's approach to standardisation for third-generation cellular systems.