Enhanced data for global evolution (EDGE) is a high-speed mobile data standard, intended to enable second-generation global system

for mobile
communication (GSM) and time division multiple access (TDMA) networks to transmit data at up to 384 kilobits per second (Kbps). As it was
initially developed just for GSM systems, it has also been called GSM384. Ericsson intended the technology for those network operators who failed
to win spectrum auctions for third-generation networks to allow high-speed data transmission.
EDGE provides speed enhancements by changing the type of modulation used and making a better use of the carrier currently used, for example
the 200kHz carrier in GSM systems. EDGE also provides an evolutionary path to third-generation IMT-2000-compliant systems, such as universal
mobile telephone systems (UMTS), by implementing some of the changes expected in the later implementation in third-generation systems.
• EDGE builds upon enhancements provided by
general packet radio service (GPRS) and high-
speed circuit switched data (HSCSD) technologies
that are currently being tested and deployed. It
enables a greater data-transmission speed to be
achieved in good conditions, especially near the
base stations, by implementing an eight-phase-
shift keying (8 PSK) modulation instead of
Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK).
•TECHNOLOGY
•For EDGE to be effective it should be installed along with the packet-switching upgrades used for GPRS.
This entails the addition of two types of nodes to the network: the gateway GPRS service node (GGSN)
and the serving GPRS service node (SGSN). The GGSN connects to packet-switched networks such as
internet protocol (IP) and X.25, along with other GPRS networks, while the SGSN provides the packet-
switched link to mobile stations.
•The additional implementation of EDGE systems requires just one EDGE transceiver unit to be added to
each cell, with the base stations receiving remote software upgrades. EDGE can co-exist with the existing
GSM traffic, switching to EDGE mode automatically.
•GPRS is based on a modulation technique called Gaussian minimum-shift keying (GMSK). This modulation
technique does not allow as high a bit rate across the air interfaces as 8 PSK modulation if introduced
into EDGE systems. 8 PSK modulation automatically adapts to local radio conditions, offering the fastest
transfer rates near to the base stations, in good conditions. It offers up to 48Kbps per channel, compared
to 14Kbps per channel with GPRS and 9.6Kbps per channel for GSM. By also allowing the simultaneous
use of multiple channels, the technology allows rates of up to 384Kbps, using all eight GSM channels.
•Because the basic infrastructure interfaces with the existing GPRS, GSM or TDMA infrastructure, the
major vendors are the incumbent GPRS and GSM suppliers such as Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola and Alcatel.