EDGE
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), effectively the final stage in the evolution of the GSM standard, EDGE uses a new modulation schema to enable theoretical data speeds of up to 384kbit/s within the existing GSM spectrum. An alternative upgrade path towards 3G services for operators, such as those in the USA, without access to new spectrum. Also known as Enhanced GPRS (E-GPRS). EDGE is standardized by 3GPP as part of the GSM family, and it is an upgrade that provides more than three-fold increase in both the capacity and performance of GSM/GPRS networks. It does this by introducing sophisticated methods of coding and transmitting data, delivering higher bit-rates per radio channel. EDGE can be used for any packet switched application, such as an Internet connection. EDGE-delivered data services create a broadband internet-like experience for the mobile phone user. High bandwidth data applications such as video services and other multimedia benefit from EGPRS' increased data capacity. Evolved EDGE continues in Release 7 of the 3GPP standard providing reduced latency and more than doubled performance e.g. to complement High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA). Peak bit-rates of up to 1Mbit/s and typical bit-rates of 400kbit/s can be expected.
