Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)

Computer Network Computer Engineering MCA

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.