GPRS support node

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Schematic representation of the GPRS core architecture

A GPRS Support Node ( GSN ) is an element in the switching network of a mobile phone provider that represents an essential part of the GPRS infrastructure. A GSN is either an SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) or a GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node).

GSN communicate with each other via IP connections ( Gn interface). The GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) is used as the transport protocol .

For the purpose of authentication, authorization and billing of customer connections, GSN communicate with the Mobile Services Switching Center (MSC) and the Visitor Location Register (VLR) ( Gs interface), the Home Location Register (HLR) ( Gr interface), the SMS-SC ( Gd interface) and the Equipment Identity Register (EIR) ( Gf interface) of a mobile phone provider.

SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node)

An SGSN is connected via Frame Relay or IP to one or more Packet Control Units (PCU) ( Gb interface), which represent the connecting elements to the GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN). It is connected to a GGSN via the Gn interface. SGSN represent the basic functionality of packet-oriented data switching in the GSM network.

USGSN (UMTS Serving GPRS Support Node)

A USGSN is connected via ATM or IP to one or more radio network controllers (RNC) ( IuPS interface), which represent the connecting elements to the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). It is connected to a GGSN via the Gn interface. USGSN represent the basic functionality of packet-oriented data switching in the UMTS network.

GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node)

A GGSN represents the transition from a GPRS network to a PDN (Public Data Network or Packet Data Network). To do this, it communicates with one or more SGSNs via the Gn interface and with a packet-oriented network such as the one via the Gi interface Internet or an ATM network.

PCRF (Policy and Charging Rules Function)

The Policy and Charging Rules Function ( PCRF ) controls the various components, such as GGSN / P-GW via the Gx interface , as the intelligence in the cellular data network . It is a pure signaling system that does not carry user plan traffic. A key function of the PCRF is

  • Permission control for the use of cellular data network resources, e.g. B. Internet access allowed or not
  • Control of the network resource, e.g. B. Internet access allowed at 2 Mbit / s or 150 Mbit / s
  • Configuration of the GGSN / P-GW regarding the billing of network resources (time or volume based)

Network provider-specific rules are stored in the PCRF, which, based on various input criteria, define their output values ​​and control data usage

  • Data link information, e.g. B. used APN, country, device etc.
  • Customer information, e.g. B. booked tariff

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  1. 3GPP TS 23.060: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS); Service description; Stage 2; Cape. 5.4 - Logical Architecture ( English , ZIP / DOC; 5.2 MB) September 29, 2009. Accessed December 1, 2009.

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