A DETAILED

COMPARISON OF GSM,
GPRS, EDGE AND UMTS
AIR INTERFACE
7CS005

RASHEDIE WILLIAMS
Word count: 4545

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2
Contents
Contents................................................................................................................................................2
Figures Page......................................................................................................................................2
Abstract.........................................................................................................................................3
Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM).........................................................................4
The Air Interface...........................................................................................................................4
Multiple Access Methods..............................................................................................................4
GSM Frequency band....................................................................................................................5
Modulation...................................................................................................................................6
Mobile Station (MS)......................................................................................................................7
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)......................................................................................................7
Base Station Controller (BSC)........................................................................................................7
GSM Logical Channels...................................................................................................................8
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Air interface........................................................................9
Modulation................................................................................................................................9
Logical Channels..........................................................................................................................10
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE).........................................................................11
Modulation: 8PSK........................................................................................................................12
3G Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS)..........................................................12
Frequency band..........................................................................................................................13
Frequency Division Duplex..........................................................................................................13
Time Division Duplex (TDD)..............................................................................................13
Modulation..............................................................................................................................13
User Equipment (UE)...................................................................................................................13
Radio Network Subsystem (RNS).................................................................................................14
Logical Channels..........................................................................................................................14
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................16
References...........................................................................................................................................17

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Figures
Figure 1 Channels of an FDMA System. (Hartmann, 2009).................................................................... 5
Figure 2 TDMA Slots (Poole, 2020)........................................................................................................ 5
Figure 3 GSM UL & DL in 900 MHz Frequency band. (Sauter, 2011)...................................................... 6
Figure 4 GSM frequency bands. (Sauter, 2011)...................................................................................... 6
Figure 5 GMSK modulator using VCO. (Poole, 2020)............................................................................. 7
Figure 6 GMSK modulator using an I-Q modulator. (Poole, 2020)......................................................... 7
Figure 7 Packet Switch data transmission. (Sauter, 2011)...................................................................... 9
Figure 8 GPRS multi-slot. (Sauter, 2011).............................................................................................. 10
Figure 9 GMSK for (GPRS). (Sauter, 2011)............................................................................................ 10
Figure 10. 8 PSK for (EDGE modulation). (Sauter, 2011)...................................................................... 12

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Abstract
This paper provides a detailed comparison of the Global System for Mobile Communication
(GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), the Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
(EDGE) and the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) air interface. It
explains the functions of the different modulation techniques, multiple access, frequency
bands, logical channels, the Base Stations (BS), and Mobile Station (MS) functions.
Introduction
In 1991 the 3rd generation Partnership Program (3GPP) introduced GSM as the Second
Generation (2G) technology mobile phone system. The aim was to provide a system that
would allow for greater capacity to be achieved than the previous first-generation analogue
system. GSM achieve this by the utilisation of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) over
its air interface. GSM was designed as a voice communication system, but it was also
developed to carry data. With greater demand for the use of the internet, GSM had to evolve
to meet customer needs, leading to an advanced system known as GPRS.
GPRS was an enhanced version of the GSM network to have the capacity to provide packet-
based services. The next evolution in mobile communication was EDGE. Having established
the GPRS data services requirements EDGE provided a higher data rate by using the
Octagonal Phase Shift Keying (8PSK) modulation scheme.
As technology improved, UMTS was introduced as the third generation (3G) of the mobile
communication system and is the successor to the 2G GSM technology. It is established on
the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which articulated a plan to implement an
international frequency band in the 2000 MHz range, providing a universal wireless
communication standard called International Mobile Telephone 2000 (IMT-2000). In Europe,
3G uses Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) over its air interface, a different multiple access
scheme than 2G technologies. (Poole, 2017)
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)
The Air Interface
The air interface, also known as the Um interface, is a wireless link connecting the Mobile
Station (MS) to the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). This enables subscribers to communicate
with each other at the same time. For this to happen, there are two methods of transmission
that are used; Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), which means that some of the
frequency is used all the time, and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), which means
that all the frequency are used but only some of the time. It is possible to calculate the base
station's total capacity by putting together the multiple access schemes. (Sauter, 2011)
Multiple Access Methods
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA)
FDMA is a multiple access method that allows multiple users to transmit data through a
single communication channel by splitting the channel bandwidth of the channel into separate
non-overlapping sub-channels and allocating each sub-channel to separate users. Once a
channel is allocated to a user, it belongs to the user exclusively for the call's entire duration.
The allocated bands are set apart from one another by guard bands to avoid interference. If
the user is not using an FDMA channel, it sits idle and cannot be used by another user. FDMA
has poor spectral efficiency since guard bands must avoid overlapping the adjacent channel,
which reduces channel capacity. (Grami, 2016)

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 Figure 1 Channels of an FDMA System. (Hartmann, 2009)

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

The primary component in the GSM structure is the frame, which comprises eight slots. Each
slot is used for different users within the TDMA system. The transmission and reception slot
are offset in time so that the Mobile Station does not simultaneously transmit and receive.
The burst period is the fundamental unit of time, which last for approximately 0.577
milliseconds. The combination of eight burst period is known as a TDMA frame, which lasts
for approximately 4.615 milliseconds. This forms the basic unit for defining the logical
channels, and in each TDMA Frame, one physical channel is one burst period. (Poole, 2020)

Transmit frame

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0
Base station transmit
Slot
numbers Corresponding receive
frame

5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5
Base station receive

Time

Figure 2 TDMA Slots (Poole, 2020)

GSM Frequency band

In the early stages, GSM had been conceived as a European system; however, other countries
quickly caught on, spreading worldwide. In Europe, GSM was initially set out to operate in
the 900 MHz band. To be precise, it operates between 890 and 915 MHz in the Uplink (UL).
This is the transmission of the signal from the MS to the network. The downlink operates
between 935 and 960, which refers to the transmission of the signal from the network to the
MS. Also, 25 MHz bandwidth is divided into one hundred and twenty-five channels with 200
kHz spacing.

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 Figure 3 GSM UL & DL in 900 MHz Frequency band. (Sauter, 2011)

With growing needs in many European countries, it became apparent that the numbers of
channels were not enough to cope with the demands; therefore, the regulating bodies
allocated a different frequency range for the GSM network, which uses the frequency band
from 1710 to 1785 MHz in the UL and from 1805 to 1880 for the DL. The 1800 MHz bands
offer 75 MHz of bandwidth, which match up to three hundred and seventy-five extra
channels, unlike the 900 MHz range, which only had a total bandwidth of 25 MHz frequency
bands that function the same way. The only difference is the Absolute Radio Frequency
Channel Numbers (ARFNC), which specifies a pair of physical radio carriers used to transmit
and receive in a mobile communication system. (Sauter, 2011)

Figure 4 GSM frequency bands. (Sauter, 2011)

Modulation
Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK)
GMSK modulation is an improved version of Minimum Shift Keying (MSK). With GMSK,
the phase is further filtered via a Gaussian filter to smooth the transition from point to point
in constellation. (Rodriguez, 2011) GMSK is modulated in two ways; the first is by filtering
the modulating signal and apply it to the frequency modulator, where the modulation
indicator is set to 0.5. This way, the tolerance drifts and cannot precisely be set, which is not
suitable for this analogue method. (Poole, 2020)

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 Figure 5 GMSK modulator using VCO. (Poole, 2020)

The second method used is called the quadrature modulator. This means that the phase of the
signal is 90 degrees to another phase. This modulator uses an in-phase signal and another that
is quadrature to it. The modulation index can be kept at precisely 0.5 without the need for any
changes when using the in-phase or quadrature (IQ) modulator.

Figure 6 GMSK modulator using an I-Q modulator. (Poole, 2020)

Mobile Station (MS)

The MS is the user's mobile phone or terminal. This is used to connect to the BTS through the
air interface. (Tolstrup, 2015). The MS comprises two components: The Mobile Equipment
and the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
The BTS is the hub of the entire network. It maintains the communication over the interface
between the MS and the network. It is connected to the Base Station Controller via the Abis
interface. Within the BTS are antennas that can be directional or omnidirectional to transmit
and receive a signal in the desired format. It also has a power amplifier, which effectively
increases the range of the signal.
Base Station Controller (BSC)
The BSC is a critical part of the mobile network which controls and manages BTSs. It is
responsible for the setting up of calls, handovers, and management of the network. When an
MS transmits, and there is not enough signalling power received from a serving BTS, the
BSC will hand over the signal to another BTS to ensure sufficient power for the MS to

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function efficiently. The BSC is also responsible for measurements associated with the
implementation of Frequency Hopping (FH). (Mishra, 2004)
GSM Logical Channels
Traffic Channel (TCH)
A TCH is a complete data rate channel that can digitise or circuit switch data services for up
to 14.4 k/bits.
Fast Associated Control Channel (FACCH)
The FACCH is used to direct urgent signalling messages, like a handover command, and is
transmitted in the same time slot as TCH. No dedicated physical burst is allocated to FAACH
as the messages do not have to be sent very often. As an alternative, the user information is
removed from a TCH burst. The Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH) burst is
stolen for a full signalling burst to inform the mobile device.
Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH)
The SACCH is a dedicated channel used in the UL to report the serving and neighbouring
cells' signal quality to the network. The measurements are used for handover decisions and
power control. In the Downlink (DL), the SACCH is utilised to send a power control
command to the Mobile Equipment (ME). It is also used for timing advance control.
In SACCH, only a few bursts are used on a 26 multi-frame model at fixed intervals as the
messages are of low priority and the bandwidth required is minimal.
Standalone Dedicated Control Channel (SDCCH)
When a subscriber has not been assigned a TCH, SDCCH is a signalling channel used during
the call. This channel is used for signalling unrelated to the call establishment, such as
sending or receiving text messages and location update procedures.
Synchronisation Channel (SCH)
The SCH is used by mobile equipment when searching for networks and BTS.
Frequency Correction Channel (FCCH)
The FCCH is used to detect the start of a multi-frame. It is also used by mobile equipment to
calibrate their transceiver units.
Broadcast Common Control Channel (BCCH)
The BCCH channel is a point to multi-point channel and is considered the main information
channel of a cell.
Paging Channel (PCH)
The PCH channel informs idle subscribers of incoming calls or messages. Only the network
is aware of the subscriber location. The paging messages are transmitted to all BTS's in that

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area, with the essential elements of the message being the International Mobile Subscriber
Identity (IMSI).
Random Access Channel (RACH)
The RACH is a channel used for preliminary communication with the network when the user
wants to call or send an SMS. It is considered the only common channel in the UL.
Subscribers in a cell are not synchronised, so it must be done using a random channel when
requesting a channel.
Access Grant Channel (AGCH)
The AGCH channel recognises channel requests from the MS and assigns an SDCCH.
(Sauter, 2017)
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Air interface
The GPRS air interface was built upon the GSM structure. It uses the same channel
bandwidth of 200 kHz and the GMSK modulation technique. (Poole, 2020) GPRS was
designed to send packet switch data over the GSM network at a maximum data rate of up to
172kbps. Packet switching is collecting data in packets before sending it over the GPRS
network. Using this method eliminates the logical end-to-end connection, which means that
every packet must contain a header comprised of the sender source address and the packet's
receiver destination address. This is used to route the packet through different network parts
from end to end. (Sauter, 2011). It allows subscribers to send pictures, videos, and sound
clippings.

Figure 7 Packet Switch data transmission. (Sauter, 2011)

Modulation
GPRS is built upon the GMSK modulation technique. In this process, the rectangular pulses
that correspond to the bit-stream are filtered using a Gaussian-shaped impulse reaction filter,
generating lesser side lobes than would otherwise be the issue. (Insight, 2020) Maintaining
the same modulation technique allows for the level of upgrade required to support GPRS in
addition to GSM is reduced.
GMSK offers many advantages, such as limited interference beyond the wanted bandwidth,
good spectral effectiveness, the capability to use a non-linear RF power amplifier, and its
resilience to interference. (Poole, 2020)

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 Figure 9 GMSK for (GPRS). (Sauter, 2011)

Time Slot Aggregation

With GMSK, if there is more than one timeslot available when the subscriber wants to
transmit or receive information, the network can allocate several timeslots to one subscriber.
This process is referred to as multi-slot. The multi-slot class determines how many timeslots
are aggregated by a single subscriber at the same time. Hence the subscriber transmission
speed is increased, provided that not all want to transmit data simultaneously.

Figure 8 GPRS multi-slot. (Sauter, 2011)

Logical Channels
In GPRS, there are a series of channels used, which are set in different groups. As this
system is built upon the GSM framework, GPRS uses the GSM control and broadcast
channel to set up. However, GPRS actions are carried out using GPRS logical channel. This
occurs using the Packet Data Channel (PDCH), which allows for data to be carried over the
air interface.
Broadcast channel

- Packet Broadcast Central Channel. (PBCCH)

The PBCCH informs the mobile of incoming calls by broadcasting the information. A
point to note, this is a DL only channel.

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Common Control Channels

- Packet Paging Channel (PPCH)

In addition to alerting the mobile for an incoming call, the PPCH also alerts incoming
data. This is also a DL channel.

- Packet Access Grant Channel (PAGCH)

The PAGCH informs the mobile of which traffic channel is designated to it. This is
also a DL channel, and it only happens once the PPCH informs the mobile of an
incoming call.

- Packet Notification Channel (PNCH)

The PNCH warns mobiles of a broadcast that is meant for multiple mobiles and is
mainly used for point-to-point multicasting. This is also a DL channel.

- Packet Random Access Channel (PRACH)

The PRACH allows mobiles to initiate a burst of information in the UL with bursts
that allow timing advance settings. An 8-bit standard burst and the other being an 11-
bit burst, where data has been added to allow for priority setting.
Dedicated Control Channel

- Packet Associated Control Channel (PACCH)

The PACCH is used to control signalling during the call and is used in both the UL
and DL. It carries data such as power control messages and channel assignments.
- Packet Timing Advance Common Control Channel (PTCCH)

The PTCHH channel ensures that messages are delivered at the BS simultaneously.
Despite the distance between the BS and the mobile. This channel is present in the UL
and DL.
Dedicated Packet Channel

- Packet Data Traffic Control (PDTCH)

To provide high-speed data, up to 8 PTCHs can be allocated. The system can control
the data correctly by knowing the type of channel. However, the data needs to be
organised and sent into different channels appropriately across the interface. (Poole,
2020)
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE)
With a need to improve the speed of data transmission and latency, EDGE was introduced.
EDGE is based on the GSM slots and burst structure, enabling it to operate in the same
network alongside GSM and GPRS. It uses the same FDMA/TDMA as its multiple access
and the 200 kHz channel bandwidth, with its maximum user data rate of 473.6 kbps. The
primary enhancement to this technology was the 8PSK modulation scheme. (Poole, 2019)

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Modulation: 8PSK
The modulation technique was changed from GMSK to 8PSK to achieve a higher data rate
within EDGE. This works by transmitting 3 bits in one transmission, unlike GMSK, which
allows for a single bit to be transmitted per transmission step. In the I/Q space, 8PSK codes
three bits in eight different positions. (Sauter, 2017)

Figure 10. 8 PSK for (EDGE modulation). (Sauter, 2011)

It is likely to transfer up to 60 Kbit/s per timeslot with the highest nine new coding
introduced with EDGE. This coding system needs an update of backhaul connection and new
transceiver elements in the BTS that are 8-PSK compatible, which is an addition. (Sauter,
2011)
3G Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS)
Air interface: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA)
UMTS is the Third Generation (3G) mobile communication system regulated and
standardised by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The air interface is entirely
different from that of GSM, GPRS and EDGE. It is based on Code Division Multiple Access
(CDMA), allowing multiple users to share a channel simultaneously. Unlike TDMA, which
permits clients to share the same channel by using different time slots.
WCDMA is the multiple access use in 3G UMTS, designed to enhance spectral efficiency,
improve handover and enhanced security and was carefully chosen by the European
Telecommunication Institute (ETSI) in 1998. The structural concepts used are Channelisation
and scrambling, channel coding, power control, and handover. (B Walke, 2003) It has a
channel bandwidth of 5MHz, with a maximum low range data rate of 2048 kbps and 384
kbps in an urban and outdoor environment. (Poole, 2019)
UMTS carrier frequencies are assigned by UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel
(UARFCN), which is used to define channel numbers straightforwardly. Furthermore, it uses
FDD and TDD on the UL and the DL. (Technipedia, 2012)

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Frequency band
In 1992 the frequency bands were set at the World Administrative Radio Conference (WARC-
92) to endorse the IMT-2000. This allows all bands to be managed globally, enabling roaming
without having multiple frequency bands incorporated within each mobile device. The
frequency bands initially set were 1885-2025 MHz and 2110-2200 MHz. (Poole, 2019)
Frequency Division Duplex
Allow for the signal to transmit and receive at the same time. This is possible as the receiver
is not set to the same frequency as the transmitter. A great contributor to the FDD is the guard
band, which ensures sufficient separation between the transmitters to avoid any signal
interference.
A significant issue with FDD schemes is receiver blocking, whereby selective filters may be
essential. To guarantee sufficient isolation of the transmitter signal without reducing the
receiver signal filters are vital within the BS and the UE.
Time Division Duplex (TDD)
In TDD, the transmission periods are concise, making delays in voice calls unnoticeable from
the time the delay is introduced. TDD is also used in data communication, transmitting a
short burst of data in the UL and DL.
Unlike FDD that requires a guard band between transmitters and receivers' frequencies, TDD
utilises guard time between transmission and reception. The guard time must be adequate to
enable the transmitter's signal to arrive before communication is started and the receiver
obstructed.
Modulation
QPSK modulation
In UMTS, the modulation technique is digital and called Quaternary Phase Shift Keying
(QPSK). As implied in the modulation technique name, QPSK maps the bit sequence
transmitted to a symbol chain, the parts of which comprise an alphabet of four different
symbols. A modulation symbol relates to precisely one of the four potential phase positions of
the carrier wave in signal transmission.
A serial bit stream is transformed into two parallel bit streams because two successive bits are
combined into a bit pair at the modulator entrance. The branches stemming from the
separation into the two-bit stream are called quadrature branches or in-phase branches. A sine
oscillator is with a specific phase position is generated in each branch depending on the value
of the individual bits. (B Walke, 2003)
User Equipment (UE)
The UE forms the last interface with the user, with the ability to perform multiple
applications. Due to the UE being able to perform a vast number of applications, a decision
was made to call it UE rather than just a mobile. The UE contains of different components
such as:
- The UE RF Circuitry deals with signalling for both the transmitter and receiver. The
reduction of power consumption was one of the main challenges for the RF power

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 amplifier. A linear amplifier was required to be used due to the form of modulation
used in WCDMA. Unlike with GSM, where non-linear which used less current.
However, measures were put in place within its design to ensure maximum efficiency.
- Baseband processing is significantly more complicated than that of 2G as its main
consist of digital circuitry. This was also improved to reduce the consumption of
current.
- The battery has been a current drain on the battery, although current consumption was
minimised in the circuitry as far as possible. Users, however, still expect the same
battery life as before in the previous phone. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries were
introduced to maintain and improve battery life.
- Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is a more improved version of the sim
used in previous generations but contains the same kind of information. It contains the
IMSI, MSISDN, and PLMN, which is used for roaming to enable the correct language
type. Short messages and call information such as numbers can also be saved on to the
USIM.
- The NodeB corresponds to that of the BTS in GSM. This name was meant to be
temporary. However, it stuck during the standardisation process. Hence in UMTS, the
base station is referred to as a Node B. It is connected to the RNC via the Iub interface
and can control several cells. The Node B includes the antenna system, WCDMA
receiver, which converts the radio interface signal into a data stream and then passes it
on to the RNC. The WCDMA transmitter then arranges incoming information for
transport over the radio interface and routes it to the power amplifier. (B Walke, 2003)
Radio Network Subsystem (RNS)
It is also known as the UMTS Radio Access Network (UTRAN), which does the same job as
the BSS in GSM, managing the entire network's air interface. Within the RNS is the Radio
Network Controller (RNC). It carries out radio resource management and is where encryption
is done before the user data is sent to and from the mobile. It is also connected to the circuit
switch core network.
Logical Channels
Channelisation and scrambling
Channelisation spreading code distinguishes the user data channels, which spread with a
distinctive and unpredictable spreading sequence. The code needed to spread the signal must
be orthogonal to enable multiple users and the channel to function without common
interference. The code used in Channelisation is Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor
(OVSF), which needs to remain synchronous to work.
Scrambling happens by a chip-by-chip multiplication of the combined signals by a
scrambling code. The scrambling code has the same rate as the chip rate because the
scrambling code performs on top of the spreading. The scrambling code can be considered
transmitter specific as each MS has its code. The DL scrambling code distinguishes between
different cells to maintain communication between MS and Node B. (Kukushkin, 2018).

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Channel coding
Channel coding safeguards against broadcast errors caused by repeating information
numerous times and propagating the retransmissions over time. With channel coding,
convolutional coders predominantly apply to delay-sensitive data since the resulting lag is
relatively short and affected by the code rate and limitation. There are also turbo coders
which, must consider a block of data before outputting the block. For turbo coding to be
effective, the block should contain a large amount of information, usually more than 320
symbols, causing a considerable delay in the coding and decoding procedures.
Power control
This process is essential as it ensures that the right amount of power is used to close the BS
and MS link during the DL or UL. The UL is considered the most important because it
ensures that UE is detected at the same power as what? Therefore, no single UE will
overpower the receiver. Without the use of power control, a single UE transmitting at its
maximum power at proximity to the BS would be the only one detected, causing all the other
UE's to drown out as it would cause an unequal amount of interference.
On the DL, the Node B shares power with common and reserved channels for all active users.
Unlike the UL, there is no interference in the DL as all channels are orthogonal to each other
except for synchronised channels. Despite this, power control is still needed to ensure that the
given channel is using the power it needs.
Soft Handover
When a connection is served by multiple cells simultaneously by adding and dropping them,
it is referred to as a soft handover. This occurs in WCDMA because the cells use the same
frequency. However, these frequencies are separated by codes. By processing with a solo RF
chain, a receiver can identify the different cells. Soft handover is needed in WCDMA as it is
interlinked with the power control element. This ensures that a UE at the boundary between
several cells uses the minimum transmit power on the UL and DL. Overpowering of the other
UEs connected to the cell should be avoided on the UL. It is not critical on the DL, but it
increases capacity and enhances reliability on the link.
To increase the reliability of demodulation on the DL, the UE can merge the different
received signals. Merging signals from separate links, the Signal to Inference Ration (SIR)
improves, decreasing the transmit power even compared to the power needed over the best
links. This process is referred to as soft combining gain. UE can also be connected to
numerous servers simultaneously, which increases reliability, therefore providing a macro-
diversity gain. Just because the macro-diversity gain is observed does not mean it is always
the same for soft combining gain on the UL. It is impossible to combine the signal before
demodulated in the cell in the soft handover that does not belong to the same Node B. The
demodulated signal is sent to the RNC, which determines which one to use.

16
Soft handover increases communication reliability and reduces the power requirement for
each link used, but it also has its disadvantages. Because data is sent over numerous links,
that repetition reduces the effectiveness of resource exploitation. (Christophe Chevallier,
2006)
Conclusion
With the advancement and accessibility of technology, GSM was the answer to the
requirement for a mobile communication network that could support an increasing number of
subscribers with its focus on voice calls. The fundamental exchange in mobile
communication occurs in the air interface, linking the MS and the BTS. This technology
operated in the 900 MHz frequency band range and used a channel bandwidth of 200 kHz.
This technology's access method is FDMA, allowing multiple users to transmit data through a
single communication channel. TDMA enables multiple users to share the same channel by
dividing the signal into different time slots, which permitted more significant achievement.
GSM used the GMSK modulation technique, which improved spectral efficiency and allowed
for an efficient power amplifier.
As the technology evolved, GPRS was introduced and operated over the GSM system but
offered a much higher data rate of up to 172 kbps. It uses packet switching instead of circuit
switching, making more efficient use of capacity, and allowing for more application to be
used over the internet. GPRS still operates voice calls built on the GSM system and utilise the
same modulation technique and channel bandwidth. To further improve upon the air
interface, enhancements were made to the GPRS technology and EDGE was developed.
EDGE operated on the GSM system but offered an increase in speed over GSM and GPRS.
EDGE provided a higher data rate by using 8PSK as its modulation technique, a higher
modulation order than GMSK, which was used in GSM and GPRS. As technology continued
to evolve, 3GPP introduced UMTS as the third-generation mobile communication.
UMTS uses WCDMA over its air interface as its access method, which differs from FDMA
and TDMA used in GSM technology. This allowed for changes to be made to physical
equipment such as the UE and the NodeB to enable higher data rates and improve
performance. UMTS also employed a different modulation technique known as QPSK. This
enables two bits to be modulated at once, selecting one of four possible carrier phase shifts,
allowing the signal to carry twice as much data as ordinary PSK using the same bandwidth.
Each technology provided improvements to the air interface by enhancing its modulation
technique, access method, and changes to the mobile device and base station for mobile
subscribers to enjoy faster internet browsing and data downloads over the air interface.

17
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