The location-management procedure is performed during the network-requested PDP context activation procedure if the GGSN does not have an SS7 MAP interface (i.e., Gc interface). It is used to transfer location messages between the GGSN and a GTP-MAP protocol-converting GSN in the GPRS backbone network.

Location management subprocedures are used between a GGSN that does not support an SS7 MAP interface (i.e., Gc interface) and a GTP-MAP protocol-conversing GSN. This GSN supports both Gn and Gc interfaces and is able to perform a protocol conversing between GTP and MAP.