Timo Halonen & Javier Romero 
GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance 
Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS

GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance – Second Edition provides a complete
overview of the entire GSM system. GSM (Global System for
Mobile Communications) is the digital transmission technique widely
adopted in Europe and supported in North America. It features
comprehensive descriptions of GSM’s main evolutionary
milestones – GPRS, (General Packet Radio Services) is a
packet-based wireless communication service that promises data
rates from 56 up to 114 Kbps and continuous connection to the
Internet for mobile phone and computer users. AMR and EDGE
(Enhanced Data GSM Environment), and such developments have now
positioned GERAN (GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network) as a full 3G radio
standard. The radio network performance and capabilities of
GSM, GPRS, AMR and EDGE solutions are studied in-depth by using
revealing simulations and field trials.

Cellular operators must now roll out new 3G technologies capable
of delivering wireless Internet based multimedia services in a
competitive and cost-effective way and this volume, divided into
three parts, helps to explain how:

1. Provides an introduction to the complete evolution of GSM
towards a radio access network that efficiently supports UMTS
services (GERAN).

2. Features a comprehensive study of system performance with
simulations and field trials. Covers all the major features such as
basic GSM, GPRS, EDGE and AMR and the full capability of the GERAN
radio interface for 3G service support is envisaged.

3. Discusses different 3G radio technologies and the position of
GERAN within such technologies.

Featuring fully revised and updated chapters throughout, the
second edition contains 90 pages of new material and features
the following new sections, enabling this reference to remain as a
leading text in the area:

* Expanded material on GPRS

* Includes IMS architecture (Rel’5) and GERAN (Rel’6)
features

* Presents field trial results for AMR and narrowband

* Provides EGPRS deployment guidelines

* Features a new chapter on Service Performance

An invaluable reference for Engineering Professionals, Research
and Development Engineers, Business Development Managers,
Technical Managers and Technical Specialists working for cellular
operators

Table of Content

Acknowledgements.

Foreword.

Introduction.

Abbreviations.

PART 1: GERAN EVOLUTION.

1. GSM/EDGE Standards Evolution (up to Rel’4) (M. Hakaste, et
al.).

2. Evolution of GERAN Standardisation (Rel’5, Rel’6 and
beyond) (E. Nikula, et al.).

3. GERAN Qo S Evolution Towards UMTS (E. Ala-Tauriala, et
al.).

4. Mobile Station Location (M. Weckström, et
al.).

PART 2: GSM, GPRS AND EDGE PERFORMANCE.

5. Basics of GSM Radio Communication and Spectral Efficiency (J.
Melero, et al.).

6. GSM/AMR and SAIC Voice Performance (J. Melero, et
al.).

7. GPRS and EGPRS Performance (J. Romero, et al.).

8. Packet Data Services and End-user Performance (G. Gomez,
et al.).

9. Dynamic Frequency and Channel Allocation (M.
Salmenkaita).

10. Narrowband Deployment (A. Rivada, et al.).

11. Link Performance Enhancements (R. Pirhonen, et
al.).

12. Control Channels Performance and Dimensioning (T.
Kähkönen & J. Navarro).

13. Automation and Optimisation (V. Wille, et al.).

PART 3: 3G EVOLUTION PATHS.

14. IMT-2000 3G Radio Access Technologies (J. Melero, et
al.).

15. 3G Technology Strategy and Evolution Paths (J. Melero).

Appendix A: MAIO Management Limitations.

Appendix B: Hardware Dimensioning Studies.

Appendix C: Mapping Link Gain to Network Capacity Gain.

Appendix D: Interference between GSM/EDGE and Other Cellular
Radio Technologies.

Appendix E: Simulation Tools.

Appendix F: Trial Partners.

Index.

About the author

Timo Halonen is the editor of GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance: Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS, 2nd Edition, published by Wiley.

Javier Romero is the editor of GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance: Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS, 2nd Edition, published by Wiley.

Juan Melero is the editor of GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance: Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS, 2nd Edition, published by Wiley.