The general packet radio service (GPRS) is a new bearer service for GSM that greatly improves and simplifies wireless access to packet data networks, e.g., to the Internet. It applies a packet radio principle to transfer user data packets in an efficient way between mobile stations and external packet data networks. This tutorial gives an introduction to GPRS. The article discusses the system architecture and its basic functionality. It explains the offered services, the session and mobility management, the routing, the GPRS air interface including channel coding, and the GPRS protocol architecture. Finally, an interworking example between GPRS and IP networks is shown.

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GSM phase 2+ general packet radio service GPRS: Architecture, protocols, and air interface

As the number of Mobile IP users grows, so will the signalling overhead associated with Internet mobility management in the core IP network. This presents a significant challenge to Mobile IP as the number of mobile devices scale-up. In cellular networks, registration and paging techniques are used to minimize the signalling overhead and optimize the mobility management performance. Currently, Mobile IP supports registration but not paging. In this paper, we argue that Mobile IP should be extended to support paging to improve the scalability of the protocol to handle large populations of mobile devices. To address this, we introduce P-MIP, a set of simple paging extensions for Mobile IP, and discuss the construction of paging areas, movement detection, registration, paging and data handling. We present analysis and simulation results for Mobile IP with and without paging extensions, and show that P-MIP can scale well supporting large numbers of mobile devices with reduced signalling under a wide variety of system conditions.

/pdf/p-mip-paging-extensions-for-mobile-ip-1pvg7sg0b3.pdf

P-MIP: paging extensions for mobile IP

A remote asset management system comprising a network of programmable wireless modules, each having an antenna and an identification module and configured to communicate via a radio communication protocol. The system further includes a plurality of assets each linked to one of the wireless modules and configured to be managed by the linked wireless module. A remote system server service platform is configured to receive remote asset data from the wireless modules, pass the remote asset data to and from the wireless modules, send messages to at least one of the wireless modules, monitor the wireless modules by requesting and receiving current mode information, and remotely program the wireless modules. A data processing module located within the wireless module(s) and configured to process messages received by the wireless module, authenticate said message, analyze authenticated messages, and carry out asset management instructions included in the message.

System and method for remote asset management

In this paper, we address the problem of countering jamming of broadcast control channels in wireless communication systems. Targeting control traffic on a system, e.g., BCCH channel in GSM, leads to smart attacks that can be four orders of magnitude more efficient than blind jamming. We propose several schemes based on coding theory and its applications that can counter both external and internal attackers (traitors). We introduce a T-(traitor) resilient scheme that requires less than (TlogT N)2 control information transmissions and guarantees delivery of control information against any coalition of T traitors. The proposed scheme also allows the identification of persistently jamming traitors.

Broadcast Control Channel Jamming: Resilience and Identification of Traitors

Exploring the impact of ambient population measures on London crime hotspots

From the Publisher:
This practical book provides an extremely comprehensive, up-to-date, and easy-to-understand treatment of the entire GSM network and the signaling methods of its terrestrial interfaces. You learn how to analyze network problems, what measurements you have to take to solve them, and where in a scenario you will find the desired information or parameter. The book introduces you to all the interfaces between the GSM subsystems, starting with the Abis- and Air- Interface and continuing on to VLR's, HLR's and MSC's within the Network Switching Subsystem (NSS). You learn about the various signaling standards or methods used in GSM, including TCAP and MAP and how to apply this knowledge when working with GSM networks.

A special feature of the book is its extensive glossary that explains abbreviations, terms, parameters, counters, and messages frequently encountered when working with GSM. In addition, it features numerous figures, tables, lists, statistical formulas, real-life examples, and everyday comparisons to give you a detailed reference that's quick to use and easy to understand. You get A-to-Z coverage of dozens of topics, including: 

>Signaling standards like LAPD, LAPDm, SS7, SCCP, TCAP  GSM applications such as RR, MM, CC, MAP  and all the protocols used in GSM such as LAPD, ISUP, MAP, TCAP, SS7, SCCP, BSSAP, and more

>The Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and Home Location Register (HLR)

>The OSI reference model and its applicability to GSM

>Failure resolution both in the lab and on site 

>Measurements required to analyze network problems  and the dependencies of failure messages

This detailedbook is a practical handbook for engineers involved with all aspects of the GSM infrastructure  from research and development ( to installation, operation, and on-site management ( to technical support, maintenance, and testing. It is also a comprehensive self-study guide for engineers, other technical professionals, and university-level students with a basic knowledge of telecommunications who want to learn about the complex signaling architectures employed in GSM networks.

Gunnar Heine

Papers

GSM Networks: Protocols, Terminology and Implementation