GPRS physical channel

GPRS builds on the basic GSM structure. GPRS uses the same modulation and frame structure that
is employed by GSM, and in this way it is an evolution of the GSM standard. Slots can be assigned
dynamically by the BSC to GPRS calls dependent upon the demand, the remaining ones being used
for GSM traffic.
There is a new data channel that is used for GPRS and it is called the Packet Data Channel
(PDCH). The overall slot structure for this channel is the same as that used within GSM, having the
same power profile, and timing advance attributes to overcome the different signal travel times to the
base station dependent upon the distance the mobile is from the base station. This enables the burst
to fit in seamlessly with the existing GSM structure.
Each burst of information for GPRS is 0.577 mS in length and is the same as that used in GSM. It
also carries two blocks of 57 bits of information, giving a total of 114 bits per burst. It therefore
requires four bursts to carry each 20 mS block of data, i.e. 456 bits of encoded data.
The BSC assigns PDCHs to particular time slots, and there will be times when the PDCH is inactive,
allowing the mobile to check for other base stations and monitor their signal strengths to enable the
network to judge when handover is required. The GPRS slot may also be used by the base station to
judge the time delay using a logical channel known as the Packet Timing Advance Control Channel
(PTCCT).

GPRS channel allocation

Although GPRS uses only one physical channel (PDCH) for the sending of data, it employs several
logical channels that are mapped into this to enable the GPRS data and facilities to be managed. As
the data in GPRS is handled as packet data, rather than circuit switched data the way in which this is
organised is very different to that on a standard GSM link. Packets of data are assigned a space
within the system according to the current needs, and routed accordingly.
The MAC layer is central to this and there are three MAC modes that are used to control the
transmissions. These are named fixed allocation, dynamic allocation, and extended dynamic
allocation.
The fixed allocation mode is required when a mobile requires a data to be sent at a consistent data
rate. To achieve this, a set of PDCHs are allocated for a given amount of time. When this mode is
used there is no requirement to monitor for availability, and the mobile can send and receive data
freely. This mode is used for applications such as video conferencing.
When using the dynamic allocation mode, the network allocates time slots as they are required. A
mobile is allowed to transmit in the uplink when it sees an identifier flag known as the Uplink Status
Flag (USF) that matches its own. The mobile then transmits its data in the allocated slot. This is
required because up to eight mobiles can have potential access to a slot, but obviously only one can
transmit at any given time.

A further form of allocation known as extended dynamic allocation is also available. Use of this mode
allows much higher data rates to be achieved because it enables mobiles to transmit in more than
one slot. When the USF indicates that a mobile can use this mode, it can transmit in the number
allowed, thereby increasing the rate at which it can send data.