Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution

EDGE symbol Android

Cellular network standards and generation timeline

Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) is a digital mobile phone technology that allows improved data transmission rates as an extension of GSM. It is considered a pre-3G radio technology and is part of the GSM family. EDGE is standardized by the 3GPP as part of the GSM family and is an upgrade that provides higher data rates and improved data transmission reliability.

Overview

EDGE was introduced to enhance the data capabilities of GSM networks. It achieves this by using a more sophisticated coding scheme, which allows for higher data rates. EDGE can be used for any packet-switched application, such as an Internet connection. It is particularly beneficial for applications that require higher data rates, such as MMS and mobile internet browsing.

Technical Details

EDGE uses a technique called 8PSK (8 Phase Shift Keying) in addition to the GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying) modulation used in standard GSM. This allows EDGE to transmit three bits per symbol instead of just one, effectively tripling the data rate. The maximum data rate per timeslot in EDGE is 59.2 kbit/s, compared to 14.4 kbit/s in standard GSM.

EDGE is backward-compatible with GSM, meaning that it can be deployed on existing GSM networks without the need for new hardware. This makes it a cost-effective upgrade for network operators.

Deployment

EDGE was first deployed in the early 2000s and has since been widely adopted by GSM network operators around the world. It is often referred to as a 2.75G technology, bridging the gap between 2G and 3G networks. Many operators have used EDGE to provide higher data rates in areas where deploying full 3G networks is not economically viable.

Applications

The primary applications of EDGE include:

• Mobile internet browsing
• MMS
• Email access
• Video streaming
• Online gaming

Advantages

• Higher data rates compared to standard GSM
• Backward compatibility with existing GSM networks
• Cost-effective upgrade for network operators
• Improved data transmission reliability

Related Technologies

• GPRS
• UMTS
• HSPA
• LTE

See Also

• GSM
• 3GPP
• 2G
• 3G
• 4G