vGPRS: A mechanism for voice over GPRS

Abstract

This paper proposes vGPRS, a voice over IP (VoIP) mechanism for general packet radio service (GPRS) network. In this approach, a new network element called VoIP mobile switching center (VMSC) is introduced to replace standard GSM MSG. The vGPRS approach is implemented using standard H.323, GPRS, and GSM protocols. Thus, existing GPRS and H.323 network elements are not modified. Furthermore, both standard GSM and GPRS mobile stations can be used to receive vGPRS service, which need not be equipped with the VoIP (i.e., H.323) terminal capabilities.