GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance: Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS

The introduction of GERAN (GSM EDGE Radio Access Network) will enable the existing GSM and IS-136 Radio Access Networks, based on digital 2nd Generation TDMA technologies, to evolve towards real 3rd Generation Radio Access Networks in terms of radio spectral efficiency, peak data throughput and support for 3rd Generation services. At present there is a distinct lack of comprehensive books covering GPRS and EDGE and hence the authors aim to provide a comprehensive handbook which discusses the latest performance results of both. Operators will be implementing other performance solutions, such as Adaptive Multi Rate and Dynamic Channel Allocation, in the near future and as yet there aren't any guidelines available. GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance successfully fills both of these gaps. * Explains the key parts of both ETSI GSM and 3GPP/GERAN standards * Introduces 3GPP ALL IP architecture for future GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) * Examines the coverage and capacity of GSM/EDGE and AMR (Adaptive Multi Rate) * Introduces a totally new approach for Radio Access Network automated optimisation * Discusses positioning of GERAN and UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) * Highlights 3GPP Release 4 and Release 5 architecture and also illustrates ideas for future All IP architectures