Written by: Christofer Lindheimer , Sara Mazur , Johan Molnö and Magnus Waleij

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By adopting a common radio-access standard and a common core data-network standard, TDMA and GSM systems can share a common solution for third-generation networks. The standardization of the first phase of EDGE is presently about to be finalized in the ETSI Special Mobile Group. Phase I of EDGE includes support for best-effort packet-data services with high data rates. Phase II, targeted for the end of 2000, will comprise support for real-time applications. Compared to present-day data services in GSM and TDMA systems, EDGE will provide significantly higher user bit rates and spectral efficiency. It can be introduced smoothly into these systems in existing frequency bands, reusing the cell planning of previously deployed networks.

In this article, the authors describe the concepts for introducing EDGE into TDMA systems, and address performance issues by means of system simulations.

[First published in Ericsson Review no. 02, 2000]