GPRS is a packet based wireless communication service that offers data rates from 9.05 up to 171.2 Kbps and continuous connection to the Internet for mobile phone and computer users. GPRS is based on GSM communications and complements existing services such as circuit switched cellular phone connections and the Short Message Service (SMS). GPRS represents the bridge between 2G and 3G mobile telecommunications and is commonly referred to as 2.5G. Implementation of GPRS requires modification of the existing GSM networks in that GSM is a circuit switched technology while GPRS is packet oriented. GPRS enables packet data (the same as is used by an Ethernet LAN, WAN or the Internet) to be sent to and from a mobile station - e.g. mobile phone, PDA or Laptop. WAP and SMS can also be sent using GPRS and individuals working with GPRS need to learn and understand how the mobile stations, the air interface, network architecture, protocol structures and signalling procedures must be modified. GPRS offers much higher data rates than GSM and can be combined with 3G technologies such as EDGE to give even higher bit-rates. It offers many benefits for customers and network operators: such as volume (rather then time) dependent billing and more efficient use of network resources. Due to the worldwide delay in implementing 3G solutions such as CDMA and UMTS the demand for GPRS is still growing. GPRS Networks: Offers detailed information ranging from standards to practical implementation Answers 'how' and 'why' rather than just simply re-stating GPRS specifications Provides comprehensive coverage in a single volume Essential reading for all telecommunications project managers, field engineers, technical staff in network operator and manufacturing organisations, GPRS application and service developers, Datacoms/IT engineers. The comprehensive coverage also makes this a superb reference for students of computer science, telecommunications and electrical engineering.

“By 2008, some 2 billion people will be using mobile phones and devices, in many cases to access advanced data services. Against this backdrop, the need for efficient and effective network design will be critical to the success of increasingly complex mobile networks.” Simon Beresford-Wylie (SVP, Nokia Networks) With the complexity of the cellular networks increasing day by day, a deeper understanding of the design and performance of end-to-end cellular networks is required. Moreover, all the types of networks from 2G-2.5G-3G seem to co-exist. Fundamentals of Cellular Network Planning and Optimisation covers end-to-end network planning and optimisation aspects from second generation GSM to third generation WCDMA networks including GPRS and EDGE networks. All the sub-systems of the network i.e. radio network, transmission network and core network have been covered with focus on both practical and theoretical issues. By bringing all these concepts under one cover, this book becomes essential reading for the network design engineers working either with cellular service vendors or operators, experts/scientists working on end-to-end issues and undergraduate/post-graduate students. Key Highlights: Distinctly divided into four parts: 2G (GSM), 2.5G (GPRS & EDGE), 3G (WCDMA) and introduction to 4G (OFDM, ALL-IP, WLAN Overview) respectively Each part focuses on the radio, transmission and core networks. Concentrates on cellular network planning process and explains the underlying principles behind the planning and optimizing of the cellular networks. The text will serve as a handbook for anyone engaged in the study, design, deployment and business of cellular networks.

Learn how to use CAMEL to transfer the Intelligent Network concept to the mobile world! CAMEL (Customized Application for the Mobile network Enhanced Logic) is a standard for Intelligent Networks for mobile communications networks. It is currently deployed in all regions of the world, enabling mobile network operators to offer fast and efficient services to their subscribers. This book is an in-depth and dedicated reference on CAMEL, taking the reader through the history and development of Intelligent Networks and the essential principles of CAMEL, to the future of the technology. The author provides guidance on the various standards and specifications, and explains not only how CAMEL works but also why it works this way. Practical hints on the installation of CAMEL in the network are given throughout the book. CAMEL: Intelligent Networks for the GSM, GPRS and UMTS Network: Offers a comprehensive guide to implementing CAMEL. Gives a complete picture, including the network entities & data flows involved. Describes and explains the four CAMEL phases and their aspects. Presents an overview of the principles of Intelligent Networks, such as Finite State Machines, Trigger Detection Points, Event Detection Points and dialogue, essential to understanding CAMEL. Covers charging and accounting issues, and the impact of CAMEL on the charging system in the mobile network. Provides practical hints over and above those mentioned in the formal specifications. This text will be an invaluable resource for intelligent network service logic designers, service network designers, network engineers, and GSM/UMTS network designers and implementers. Advanced students on courses such as ‘Intelligent Networks’, ‘Value Added Services’, and ‘Service Networks’ will also find it an excellent guide to the topic.

This handbook delivers a complete and practice-oriented overview of the fundamentals of today's telecommunications networks and the future prospects for next generation networks (NGN). The very clear and concise text is supplemented by many colour illustrations and embedded into a functional four-colour layout.

Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) has attracted great research interest in recent years. A Mobile Ad Hoc Network is a self-organizing multi-hop wireless network where all hosts (often called nodes) participate in the routing and data forwarding process. The dependence on nodes to relay data packets for others makes mobile ad hoc networks extremely susceptible to various malicious and selfish behaviors. This point is largely overlooked during the early stage of MANET research. Many works simply assume nodes are inherently cooperative and benign. However, experiences from the wired world manifest that the reverse is usually true; and many works [3] [10] [9] [8] [12] [19] have pointed out that the impact of malicious and selfish users must be carefully investigated. The goal of this research is to address the cooperation problem and related security issues in wireless ad hoc networks. As a rule of thumb, it is more desirable to include security mechanisms in the design phase rather than continually patching the system for security breaches. As pointed out in [2] [1], there can be both selfish and malicious nodes in a mobile ad hoc network. Selfish nodes are most concerned about their energy consumption and intentionally drop packets to save power. The purpose of malicious nodes, on the other hand, is to attack the network using various intrusive techniques. In general, nodes in an ad hoc network can exhibit Byzantine behaviors.

The present information age is enabled by telecommunications and information technology and the continued convergence of their services, technologies and business models. Within telecommunications, the historic separations between fixed networks, mobile telephone networks and data communications are diminishing. Similarly, information technology and enterprise communications show convergence with telecommunications. These synergies are captured in the concept of Next Generation Networks that result from evolution to new technologies, enabling new services and applications. Network Convergence creates a framework to aid the understanding of Next Generation Networks, their potential for supporting new and enhanced applications and their relationships with legacy networks. The book identifies and explains the concepts and principles underlying standards for networks, services and applications. Network Convergence: Gives comprehensive coverage of packet multimedia, enterprise networks, third generation mobile communications, OSA/Parlay and developments in fixed networks. Gives an integrated view of diverse information and communications systems and technology through a common NGN Framework. Delves into protocols, APIs and software processes for supporting services and applications in advanced networks. Discusses a variety of applications of telecommunications supporting IT and IT enhanced by communications. Follows developments in operations support systems standards and links these to next generation networks. Includes a wealth of examples, use cases, tables and illustrations that help reinforce the material for students and practitioners. Features an accompanying website with PowerPoint presentations, glossary, web references, tutorial problems, and 'learn more' pages. This essential reference guide will prove invaluable to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, academics and researchers. It will also be of interest to professionals working for telecommunications network operators, equipment vendors, telecoms regulators, and engineers who wish to further their knowledge of next generation networks.

This broadly applicable book introduces radio system planning, emphasizing theoretical and practical details for the planning of GSM, GPRS and UMTS mobile networks. It explains the key planning parameters for these systems and describes the common tasks in radio system planning.