Wireless Master

You are here: Home EDGE

Edge

If you are wondering about what EDGE is, then let me tell you that it is a technology which has changed the world of mobile internet forever. Those slow speeds and data rates that would frustrate you when you surfed the Internet on your cellphone are gone. It is the day and age of the EDGE technology, you will get speeds like broadband when you are surfing on your cellphone. This is high speed Internet with a high bandwidth as well as a higher bit rate as well. EDGE is an enhancement of the earlier GSM network which was used and still is used by most of the clients who use mobile internet.

The full form of EDGE is Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution. It is also known by yet another name which is, Enhanced GPRS or EGPRS. It is also called IMT Single Carrier, or IMT-SC for short. EDGE is called a “backward compatible” technology. This means that even though EDGE is a new and advanced technology it is still compatible with the older devices as well as protocols. EDGE is an upgrade of the existing GSM technology. It is compatible with the GSM and GPRS networks and services.

EDGE forms a part of the 3G or the 3rd Generation technology. It is included in the definition of of 3rd Generation as is set up by the ITU. This technology was released in the year of 2003 by a company called Cingular in the United States of America. As it is, EDGE is an enhancement and complements the services which are provided by GSM. It is much better in terms of performance and quality from the earlier GPRS and GSM. The data transmission speeds are 3 times better. As a result, a survey has revealed that people who use EDGE have a data usage which is three times that of the standard GPRS and GSM.

EDGE uses a lot of sophisticated technology which involves certain complex technical improvements so that there can be enhanced service. It is using some advanced methods of coding data and sharing it as well. This automatically leads to better data transmission as well as performance of data. Thus EDGE is a part of the GSM family definitely. EDGE is also used in packet switched connections which would mean that it is used in packet switched connections like GPRS and in other internet connections as well. EDGE gives you speed which is as good as the broadband experience.

There are certain reasons why EDGE is such a winning deal for a lot of the customers who want a high speed internet connection on their cellphones which enables them to be connected even when they are on the move at all times. Firstly, EDGE has a very wide range of service and that means that it is compatible and supported by many networks of GSM and WCDMA. Secondly, the upgrade process from GSM or GPRS to EDGE is very simple as well as hassle free. Also, EDGE can be used in GSM terminals, where the service can be either high end or even backward GSM services.

There have been many improvements in the features of EDGE after its inauguration in 2003. EDGE has a very high bit rate that can be around 250 kilobytes per second. That is a speed like what broadband offers.  Then again, the latency has also been reduced as has been the perceived delay as well. The latency is down to less than 150 ms. These are ideal features which any client would look for in an internet connection. The coverage is excellent too and includes both indoor and outdoor coverage at the same time. Radio spectrum has been used in a very efficient manner. Thus the carrier bandwidth is above 200 kHz. Also, there are five time slots on each carrier and this means that bit rates increase up to 600  kilobytes per second. Also, since there are the dual carriers, it  implies that whatever the available bandwidth is, that is now doubled. So now available bandwidth is doubled to almost 400 kHz.

There is another reason why EDGE is so popular. Even now, most of the people who are using mobile internet use the GSM networks. But the best thing is, EDGE is much faster and more efficient in service and performance quality than GPRS or GSM. Also, EDGE is a very cost effective option. Thus as a result, EDGE is slowly becoming one of the most popular and demanded internet services in the world today. Also, EDGE is found on most mobile phones today and are not restricted to the expensive smartphones which are used by the corporates.

EDGE is supported by most major phones and also by providers who make chips. Thus EDGE is slowly becoming a basic feature of a phone and  is no longer an inaccessible and elite feature as it was at one point in the distant past. EDGE can be found in areas where 3G has not managed to reach as yet. In these areas, EDGE is the best option that one can have for a mobile Internet connection. EDGE has the best features and all that you would require for a good internet connection. There is mail, web surfing, downloading music and even watching mobile television. The Internet browsing is much faster than the usual GPRS and GSM services. Secondly, the messaging is more improved and there is a quality chat environment. There is the added advantage of being able to synchronize email accounts and there is also the Push to Talk facility which is improved and developed.

Then there is gaming for those mobile phone gamers and there is real time gaming as well. The quality of the mobile television is better.. Lastly, one can download music through EDGE and the download rate is really fast.