EDGE Introduction to High-Speed
Data in GSM/GPRS Networks
white paper
2
Table of contents
Preface
3
Executive summary
4
Technical differences
between GPRS and EGPRS
4
Introduction
4
EDGE technology
5
EDGE modulation technique
5
Coding schemes
6
Packet handling
6
Addressing window
7
Measurement accuracy
8
Interleaving
8
Link adaptation
9
Incremental redundancy
9
Impact of EGPRS on existing
GSM/GPRS networks
9
Standardization
10
Background
10
Fulfilling the EDGE Standardization
10
EDGE standard and references
10
Requirements on EDGE
10
Service aspects
10
Architecture
11
User plane protocols
11
Control plane protocols and channels
11
Future evolution of GSM/EDGE
towards WCDMA alignment
12
EGPRS benefits
12
Short-term benefits: Capacity and performance
12
Mid-term benefits: Complementary technology
12
Long-term benefit: Harmonization with WCDMA
13
Acronyms and definitions
14
3
white paper
Preface
This white paper is intended for global system for
mobile communications (GSM) operators interested in
understanding Ericsson’s view on how enhanced data
for global evolution (EDGE) can play an important role
in the evolution toward wideband code division
multiple access (WCDMA).
EDGE can be introduced in two ways: (1) as a
packet-switched enhancement for general packet
radio service (GPRS), known as enhanced GPRS or
EGPRS, and (2) as a circuit-switched data
enhancement called enhanced circuit-switched data
(ECSD). This white paper, however, will only discuss
the packet-switched enhancement, EGPRS.
The purpose of this white paper is to describe EDGE
technology and how it leverages existing GSM
systems and complements WCDMA for further
growth.
The benefits described here are based on Ericsson’s
vision of one seamless network for GSM and WCDMA.
The white paper is based on Ericsson’s current
experience with operators’ deployment processes, our
past experience with technology transitions and our
expertise with all major wireless standards, including
GPRS, EDGE and WCDMA.
white paper
4
Executive summary
EDGE is the nex