vGPRS: A mechanism for voice over GPRS

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 MSC. Both standard GSM and GPRS mobile stations can be used to receive real-time VoIP service, which need not be equipped with the VoIP (i.e., H.323) terminal capabilities. 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, the message flows for vGPRS registration, call origination, call release and call termination procedures are described to show the feasibility of our vGPRS system.