General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

Introduction
Part I
GPRS Architecture
Part II
Bearer Services and Supplementary Services
Mobility Management
GPRS Limitations

introduction

Around 1994, the GSM phase 2 standards were enhanced to include a number of new and improved services.
These enhancements became known as GSM Phase 2 Plus.
One of the new features proposed in 1994 was a new service, true packet radio service known as GPRS
The purpose of GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is to provide an efficient system aimed at data transfer for mobile users.
GPRS allows a user with suitable mobile station to occupy multiple time slots on a TRX, there by making it possible to occupy of all 8 timeslots if they are available.
The GSM system will be largely reused, though new hardware needs to be integrated in the existing network.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
Reuse the existing GSM infrastructure (not standalone)
Introduce packet-switched routing functionality
Better data transfer rates due to multi-slot operation
Low cost and connectivity-oriented
Migration Path to 3G Networks