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Understanding GPRS: A Terminology Guide

gprs gsm data communication mobile communication terminology

This page describes terms related to the GPRS standard, covering what GPRS is, the GPRS frame structure, SGSN, GGSN, TBF, TFI, EDGE, BEP, EDA, CS1 to CS4 GPRS coding schemes, GPRS interfaces, MMS, etc.

GPRS TermsBasic DescriptionRF Wireless World Reference
What is GPRSGeneral Packet Radio Service, the packet-centric data communication standard for cellular technologies such as GSM and WCDMA. Mainly used in GSM.
GPRS frame structureThe frame structure used between a Base Station and GPRS compliant UE for communication and exchange of data as well as control information.
SGSNServing GPRS Support Node
GGSNGateway GPRS Support Node
TBFTemporary Block Flow
TFITemporary Flow Identity
EDGEEnhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
BEPBit Error Probability
EDAExtended Dynamic Allocation, the scheme by which a subscriber (UE) can use a number of time slots in the uplink, unlike DA (Dynamic Allocation) method. Here, the UE needs to decode USF just once and can transmit the data over the time slots until the next block period.
CS1, CS2, CS3, CS4Coding schemes used in GPRS to facilitate different data rates for the UE. Different schemes support different data rates.
GPRS InterfacesThe interfaces are the signal connections by which different GPRS network elements are interconnected.
MMSMultimedia Message Service, the service by which bigger messages can be transmitted over a GPRS network.