Third Generation Wireless System

EDGE introduced a new modulation scheme for high speed data rate which is the 8-Phase Shift Keying (PSK). 8−PSK enables each pulse to carry 3 bits of information versus the GMSK 1−bit−per−pulse rate. Therefore, EDGE has the potential to increase the data rate of existing GSM systems by a factor of three. The channel separations are 45 MHz, and the carrier spacing is a 200 kHz channel capacity, the same as GSM and GPRS. The number of TDMA slots on each carrier is the same (eight) as the GSM and GPRS architecture.

Preparing for the

revolution, existing Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) operators must evolve their networks to

take advantage of Mobile Multimedia applications and the eventual shift to an all−IP architecture.

One way to do that is through the evolution of General Packet Radio Services (GPRS). However,

soon after we see the installation of GPRS, some operators will begin the next step in the evolution

process to Enhanced Data for Global Environment (EDGE). With EDGE, existing TDMA networks

can host a variety of new applications, including

· Online e−mail

· Access to the World Wide Web

· Enhanced short message services

· Wireless imaging with instant photos or graphics

· Video services

· Document/information sharing

· Surveillance

· Voice messaging via Internet

· Broadcasting

GPRS operates at much higher speeds than current networks, providing advantages from a

software perspective. Wireless middleware currently is required to enable slow speed mobile clients

to work with fast networks for applications such as e−mail, databases, groupware, or Internet

access. With GPRS, wireless middleware will probably be unnecessary, making it easier to deploy

wireless solutions.

Although current wireless applications are text oriented, GPRS' high throughput finally makes

multimedia content, including graphics, voice, and video, practical. Imagine participating in a

videoconference while waiting for your flight at the airport, something that is completely out of the

question with today's data networks.