Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)

Enhanced Data-rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is an improved version of GSM providing higher data transmission rate than GSM, while being compatible with the older systems.

Features

• It was standardized by 3GPP as a part of GSM family and was deployed in GSM networks in 2003.

• The other names for EDGE are Enhanced GPRS (EGPRS) and IMT-Single Carrier (IMT-SC).

• It is compatible with any packet - switched application. It is also backward - compatible, i.e. compatible with existing or older versions.

• It enables data to be sent over a GSM TDMA systems at speeds of 384Kbps. GSM uses the modulation technique called Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK). EDGE achieves increased bit rate by using 8PSK modulation scheme.

• In order to shift from GSM to GSM EDGE, additional network elements are incorporated to enable IP based data transfer. The two main additional nodes required are −

  • Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN)

  • Serving GPRS Service Node (SGSN)

• GSM EDGE compatible mobile handsets are required to avail the service.