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This article compares various wide area wireless data networks, including the GPRS standard, based on data transmission characteristics, costs, throughput, customer satisfaction, security concerns, and application domains. It also highlights the advantages of GPRS, such as compatibility with the internet, always-on connection, efficient networks, and cost-effectiveness compared to 3G networks.
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Comparison Of Wide Area Wireless Data Networks Selling The GPRS Standard By Pranav S. Vaidya
Sales Scenario • Client has USD 100 M to invest • Client is considering the following wireless data standards. Hence client is interested in wireless data networks more than wireless voice networks. • ARDIS … The Oldest One (1G) • MOBITEX … The Most Widely Used (1,2G) • CDPD …The Smart One • GPRS … The New One • Not considering other broadband standards such as MetriComm Richochet.
Evaluation Criterion Of Technologies • Data transmission Characteristics. • Transmission Costs. • Throughput – Faster Throughput • Cost Of Service • Customer Satisfaction – Roaming. • Interoperability with the Internet (WAP and IP). • Security Concerns • Application Domains Money Reaps Money V/S Too Many Pieces to the Pie • Mobile Office. • Financial Critical Communications. • Remote Control or Monitoring.
Why GPRS • Compatibility with the Internet Because the Internet is a packet-based network utilizing the IP, GPRS provides an easy connection with Internet-based data. This makes GPRS ideally suited for wireless data and applications. • Always-on connection Packet switching does not require that a physical link (such as a circuit) be opened for data transfer. This enables GPRS users to receive information only when they need to, but more importantly, it does not require that a circuit-switched connection be established for every individual call. • Efficient networks Packet switching enables data packets to be redirected over the optimal network path and bypass potential network bottlenecks. Furthermore, packet switching means that the radio spectrum is only used during the transmit or receive mode. This enables multiple users to share the same spectrum in a given area. In circuit switching, a dedicated circuit must be opened for each call, preventing multiple users from using the same frequency in a cell site. • From Handbook of Wireless Networks
Upgrade to GPRS Over 3G • Because these networks did not require additional radio spectrum, the cost of building GPRS-capable wireless networks was relatively minor. This contrasted sharply with the emerging third-generation (3G) networks, which required new spectrum and a large infrastructure upgrade. Above figureprovides a sense of the infrastructure requirements for deploying a GPRS network. • As another example, in December 2001, AT&T Wireless stated that the network upgrade cost for GPRS was $300 to $400 million, whereas the 3G upgrade cost was at least $1 billion. • From Wireless Security
GPRS – Good for the Customer and Good for the operator. • In Europe, many GSM operators started promoting GPRS to build awareness around the capabilities of these faster networks. Furthermore, because the network upgrade costs were relatively low, the operators could charge relatively modest tariffs for GPRS and still generate a positive return on the investment. In order to utilize GPRS, subscribers only needed to purchase a new GPRS-enabled handset. Monthly fees were usually based on the amount of data sent to an individual’s phone. • GPRS subscribers could then utilize significantly higher data throughput for accessing the Internet, and for receiving and sending e-mail. In most cases, subscription fees are based on the amount of data received.
Other Advantages • Network Protocols • Subnetwork Dependant Convergence Layer. • Multiplexing to single logical Layer. • Ciphering • Segmentation • Compression • Logical Layer – LAPD • Point to Multi point transmission • RLC/MAC – Contention resolution, QoS, Framing and error control.