EDGE Evolution - Part 4

Refer - EDGE Evolution - Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3


Multi Carrier for EDGE II

As explained in EDGE Evolution- Part-2 post , by using 

• EGPRS-2A downlink: 8-PSK+16/32QAM+Turbo Codes
• EGPRS-2A uplink: 16QAM

• EGPRS-2B downlink: QPSK+16/32QAM+Turbo Codes+Higher Symbol Rate
• EGPRS-2B uplink: 16/32QAM+Higher Symbol Rate  

So by enabling 5 Time slots we can achieve a data rate of 5 * 118.4 Kbps = 592 kbps.

Figure 1 : 2 GSM Carriers with 5+5 EDGE Capable Channels

By bringing the Mulitcarrier [ Note 1 ] concept  to EDGE II enabled GERAN Networks we can catapult the data rate from 592 to 1184 Kbps. Which is more than enough for mobile users with constant mobility and who are more interested in social networks/news/sports/mails etc. which are can be executed at the convenience of a good 1 Mbps network. This is the segment which is still untapped and the revenue growth can be achieved greatly with this big base than any other corporate/HNI  segment customers in terms of Data Services.

Note 1 :  DC-HSPA Dual Carrier standardized as part of 3GPP R8 released by 2009. Multi-Carrier HSPA Evolution by Mats Blomgren, Anders Wallén of Ericsson Research,Stockholm/Lund, Sweden



2G to 4G Technology/Architecture Evolution

Similar like the 3G to 4G  Technology/Architecture Evolution , there should be some enhancements as like Direct Tunneling & Flat Architecture as shown in the Figure 2 & 3 below.The operators gets the benefit of proper evolution path with minimum impact to customers and also the core is getting fully evolves as in SAE (EPC) standards and ready for LTE Overlaying.

Flatter architecture means some reduced latency & independent capacity enhancement in network elements.

Figure 2 : 3G to 4G Technology/Architecture Evolution 

Figure 3 : 2G to 4G Technology/Architecture Evolution

BSSAP => RANAP

Also it will be better to use RANAP protocol between BSC and SGSN [ Also between BTS & SGSN ] at a later stage.This will help to leverage the existing ready to use platforms like MME/SGW/PGW which are supporting 3G protocols already as part the 3G to 4G Evolution as shown in Figure 2.

Comments from Friends & Critics are welcome.