EDGE Technical Overview

The success of both mobile communication and Internet access is an unprecedented event in the world of communication. By the year 2003, one billion of GSM customers are predicted world-wide. It is envisaged that mobile data will play an important role in future communication. To respond to this expectation, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) has been designed. GPRS uses a packet-mode technique to transfer high-speed and low-speed data and signalling in an efficient manner over cellular radio networks. To further increase transmission rates over the air interface, Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) has been defined. Initially designed operate over GSM/ GPRS radio networks, it now considered as a technology suitable for other 2nd generation networks, providing an upgrade path toward 3rd generation systems. This course gives a broad overview of the GSM/ GPRS system and explains in greater depth the design and operation of EDGE to provide higher data rates.