Ericsson published a whitepaper recommending EDGE Evolution technology as an inexpensive means of delivering mobile data services over existing GSM networks at rates of up to 1 Mbps. The solution adds 3G-like capabilities to GSM, more than doubling end-user bit-rates and reduces latency significantly. Ericsson is the first vendor to offer EDGE Evolution capabilities.
Currently, EDGE offers user bit rates up to 250kbps, with end-to-end latency of less than 150ms. The company said EDGE Evolution can deliver peak bit rates of up to 1 Mbps and typical bit rates of 400kbps. These higher average and peak bit-rates are achieved through more advanced modulation, more efficient channel coding and an increased symbol rate. Round-trip latency is reduced to less than 80ms and spectrum efficiency is more than doubled. Latency and perceived delay are improved through reduced Transmission Time Interval (TTI) and additional protocol enhancements.
EDGE Evolution can be gradually introduced as software upgrades, taking advantage of the huge GSM installed base. The technology encompasses a number of enhancements that were included in Release 7 of the 3GPP standard.
Ericsson said it appears likely that existing GSM networks will remain in operation till 2020 and as such it makes business sense to continue to improve them.
Ulf Ewaldsson, Vice President and Head of Product Area Radio at Ericsson, says: “We are proud to be the world’s first vendor with a commercially available EDGE Evolution solution. This is mobile broadband performance with low entry barriers. With this technology operators can address a potential market of 4 billion GSM users and provide cost-effective mobile broadband anywhere – including countries where 3G licenses have not yet been granted.
http://www.ericsson.com
http://www.ericsson.com/technology/whitepapers/evolution_to_edge.pdf
