GPRS/UMTS facilitates the transfer of data onto mobile network end-user devices with high data rates and efficiently usage of limited resources at the air-interface. However, without roaming it is not possible to access a data network, which does not belong to the mobile network of the subscriber.
The course covers all essential topics, such as roaming procedures necessary to establish connections as well as data transfer between GPRS and UMTS mobile networks with reference to the current situation on the mobile network market.

Target Group / Requirements

The target group for this course are specialists out of the area of configuration management who deal with roaming processes as well as managers in development departments and network infrastructure planners. Basic knowledge of GPRS and UMTS core-networks are a prerequisite for this course.

Course Content

Basics of the GPRS core network

• Overview of the main network elements in GSM/GPRS/UMTS networks
• Pros & cons of roaming via home & visited networks (HPLMN & VPLMN)
• Various interconnection possibilities: fully meshed, GRX, internet
• Background information about: DNS, Charging, SLA, QoS

Basics of the GPRS roaming

• Prerequisites for GSM and GPRS roaming
• Overview of the interfaces and processes involved
• Operator requirements to enable roaming

Domain Name Server

• General principles and functionality of DNS
• The need for, characteristics of, and category: specifics of a GPRS DNS

Security aspects

• The need for security procedures and realisation
• Security on protocol layers 1, 2, and 3
• Points for possible unauthorized access

Billing & clearing

• Main terminology
• Description of the processes involved and the benefits of using a „clearing house“

GPRS Roaming eXchange-GRX

• Benefits of using GRX rather than meshed (bilateral) roaming agreements
• Peering, charging, cecurity and customer care

Implementation of GRX

• The processes involved in connecting an operator to a GRX
• An overview of the main steps to GRX, along with a project plan
• Desciption of border gateways, IP addresses and APN resolution

Important aspects of GRX peering

• Benefits and the steps involved in peering GRX networks
• Explanation of QoS, root DNS and services
• Interconnection with other technologies such as WLAN