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Why is GPRS called 2.5G? How much do you know about the story behind it?
In the development process of mobile communication technology, the birth of GPRS is undoubtedly an important milestone. GPRS, or General Packet Radio Service, is an important extension of the second generation (2G) GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network and is often referred to as 2.5G technology. Since its initial deployment in 2001, GPRS has revolutionized people's mobile data experience, allowing us to access the Internet anytime and anywhere and fully enjoy various digital services.
This technology eliminates the need for dial-up for mobile data transmission and realizes the concept of "always online".
The introduction of GPRS has made surfing the Internet, checking emails, WAP services and multimedia messaging services (MMS) more convenient. With its theoretical data transfer rate of 56–114 kbit/s, GPRS is significantly faster than the old CSD (Circuit Switched Data). This technology utilizes unused Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) channels in the GSM system to improve transmission efficiency.
GPRS as a best-effort service means that the user's throughput and delay will change with the number of other users sharing the service, which is consistent with the quality of service (QoS) guaranteed by circuit switching technology. )different. In addition, GPRS does not charge based on the time it is online, but based on the actual amount of data transmitted, a practice that has become the standard today.
Technical Overview
The core network of GPRS provides the ability of 2G and 3G mobile networks to transmit IP data packets to external networks (such as the Internet). The GPRS architecture is an integrated part of the GSM network switching subsystem, allowing different mobile devices to efficiently interconnect.
Services and functions
GPRS extends GSM's packet circuit-switched data capabilities and supports the following services:
- SMS sending and broadcasting
- Internet access anytime, anywhere
- Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)
- Intercom over Cellular Network (PoC)
- Instant messaging and presence
- Wireless Applications (WAP) for smart devices
- Point-to-point (P2P) and point-to-multipoint (P2M) services
The SMS sending speed using GPRS can reach about 30 messages per minute, which is far higher than the 6 to 10 messages of ordinary GSM.
Frequency and protocol
GPRS, as an extension of GSM, operates in the GSM frequency bands of 2G and 3G. The exact frequency of operation depends on the equipment, location and local regulations.
GPRS supports several protocols, including Internet Protocol (IP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Although PPP is generally not supported by mobile operators, under certain circumstances, it can still provide an IP channel to connected computers through a modem.
Hardware and equipment classification
GPRS-enabled devices are divided into three categories:
- Class A: Can connect to GPRS and GSM services (voice, SMS) at the same time
- Class B: Can connect to GPRS and GSM services, but can only use one service
- Class C: Only manual switching between GPRS and GSM services
For example, a Class A device needs to serve both GPRS and GSM networks, which requires two radios. Therefore, most GPRS mobile devices are actually Class B.
Historical background of GPRS
Before the birth of GPRS, GSM was mainly designed for voice calls, and its data transmission capabilities were very limited. When traditional circuit-switched data technology (CSD) is faced with the inability to meet the increasing demand for mobile data, the emergence of GPRS comes at the right time. It significantly improves the speed and efficiency of data transmission and opens up a new situation in the global mobile Internet.
According to a study, GPRS developer Bernhard Walke and his student Peter Decker are considered the inventors of GPRS. This technology laid the foundation for the popularization of global mobile Internet.
The future of GPRS and its impact
Since the launch of GPRS, although its status has declined relatively with the development of EDGE and 3G technologies, GPRS has provided an important reference for the development of subsequent technologies and has become the basis for many modern mobile data services.
Now, with the advent of 5G, the evolution of mobile communication technology is rising again. But in the glorious history of GPRS, how has it changed the way we connect with the world? Does this make us think about what kind of changes future communication technology will bring?
