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Technology Stocks : LAST MILE TECHNOLOGIES - Let's Discuss Them Here -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: MikeM54321 who wrote (7194)	6/5/2000 9:31:00 AM
From: Kenneth E. Phillipps	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 12823

Marconi Launches DSL Killer lightreading.com

To: MikeM54321 who wrote (7194)	6/5/2000 1:54:00 PM
From: axial	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 12823

Mike - I should have my posting licence revoked at 3:30 in the morning.Yes, EDGE is very much in the picture. Proponents of EDGE are now stating that it is 3G, not 2.5G. The recent commitment of T (CDPD) to EDGE is another validation of the importance of a cost-effective migration path to 3G. From below - "This shift in modulation from GMSK to 8 PSK is the central change with EDGE that prepares GSM and TDMA networks for 3G." ___________________________________________________________________________ Enhanced Data Rates For Global Evolution (EDGE) Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE) is a radio based high-speed mobile data standard. It allows data transmission speeds of up to 384 kbps to be achieved when all eight timeslots are used. This means a maximum bit rate of 48 kbps per timeslot- higher per timeslot any other previously available mobile data services. EDGE was initially developed (by Ericsson) for GSM mobile network operators who fail to win Third Generation (3G) spectrum. It was soon realized that EDGE would also work on TDMA networks. EDGE can also provide an evolutionary migration path to 3G by implementing now the changes in modulation that will be necessary for implementing 3G later. The idea behind EDGE is to eke out even higher data rates on the current 200 kHz GSM radio carrier by changing the type of modulation used, whilst still working with current circuit (and packet) switches. New operator licenses are NOT needed for EDGE. Hardware upgrades to the radio portion of the network will be needed to make the modulation upgrade. Each cell will need one new EDGE transceiver hardware unit. With most vendors, it is envisaged that software upgrades to the Base Station Controllers and Base Stations can be carried out remotely. The new EDGE capable transceiver can also handle standard GSM traffic and will automatically switch to EDGE mode when needed. EDGE capable terminals will also be needed- existing GSM terminals do not support the new modulation techniques and will need to be upgraded to use EDGE network functionality. Some EDGE capable terminals are expected to support high data rates in the downlink receiver only (we.e. high dates rates can be received but not sent), whilst others will access EDGE in both uplink and downlinks (we.e. high data rates can be received and sent). The later device types will therefore need greater terminal modifications to both the receiver and the transmitter parts. The research and development departments of infrastructure providers such as Nokia and Ericsson are committed to and preparing for EDGE, which is expected to be available commercially in 2001/2. Network operators are currently evaluating EDGE and determining whether or not to deploy it as an interim data technology between Third Generation (3G) and 3G. This decision will depend to a large part on their success in winning 3G licenses- those network operators that do not gain 3G licenses will likely adopt EDGE to maintain their competitive position in the mobile marketplace. Timescales are also an important decision factor- will there be a significant window of opportunity for EDGE between 2000 (Third Generation (3G)) and 2002 (3G) to justify the investment in rolling out EDGE technology? The answer is not yet clear and probably will not be resolved until early 2000 when the EDGE specifications are finalized and questions relating to the backwards and forwards compatibility of existing and future infrastructure investments is clearer. Both High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) and Third Generation (3G) are based on something called Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) which only yields a moderate increase in data bit rates per time slot. EDGE on the other hand is based on a new modulation scheme that allows a much higher bit rate across the air interface. This modulation technique is called eight-phase-shift keying (8 PSK). It automatically adapts to radio circumstances and thereby offers its highest rates in good propagation conditions close to the site of base stations. This shift in modulation from GMSK to 8 PSK is the central change with EDGE that prepares GSM and TDMA networks for 3G. The EDGE specifications will be finalized by mid 2000." mobiledataevolution.com __________________________________________________________________________________________________ See also this link - cellular.co.za __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ericsson's perspective - "Moving towards EDGE One step in Ericsson?s strategy to evolve GSM is the implementation of EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution). This will allow GSM operators to use existing GSM radio bands to offer wireless multimedia IP-based services and applications at speeds up to 384kbit/s or even higher. EDGE will allow the advantages of GPRS to be fully explored, with fast connection set-up and higher bandwidth than traditional GSM. The combination of GPRS and EDGE will also result in much improved utilization of the radio network. Introducing EDGE will have little technical impact, since it is fully based on GSM, and will require relatively small changes to network hardware and software. Operators do not have to make any changes to the network structure, or invest in new licenses. For example, EDGE uses the same TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) frame structure, logic channel and 200kHz carrier bandwidth as today?s GSM networks, which allows existing cell plans to remain intact. This makes the technology particularly beneficial to existing operators seeking a way to roll out wideband services rapidly and cost-efficiently across large areas of existing networks. With EDGE, operators can offer more wireless data applications for both consumer and business users, including wireless multimedia, e-mail, web infotainment and videoconferencing. As soon as the standard is finalized, next-generation base stations from Ericsson will be prepared to implement EDGE with a software update. EDGE is planned to be commercially available in 2001. ericsson.se ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ An interesting editorial, older - "An inherent danger exists when a small collection of companies or government officials limits the number of technologies and choices available to consumers. It is even more disturbing to consider the scale of that exclusion. Companies such as AT&T Wireless Services Inc., SBC Communications Inc. and, of course, BellSouth Cellular Corp., project 100 million time division multiple access wireless subscribers in the near future. Today those subscribers aren't being given an afterthought in the minds of those who will decide this issue in March. This might be remotely justified if TDMA were not capable, but for many reasons it is the most capable technology to meet 3G requirements." wirelessweek.com ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Finally, this slide show, a little dated, but useful - wca.org ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Apologies for the long post, Mike. Hope this helps. Best, Jim

To: MikeM54321 who wrote (7194)	6/6/2000 2:25:00 AM
From: Raymond Duray	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 12823

Mike, Re: In light of today's significant China Unicom announcement(they are supposedly dropping CDMA) If you go back the the announcement and read between the lines, what you might see is that Qualcomm is being adamant about its royalty pricing structure and Unicom is playing brinksmanship to try to negotiate the very best deal it can possibly arrange, trying to break Jacobs will. Traditional negotiation tactics, using the press to pressure Q. I find this ongoing back and forth to be both amusing,frustrating and tedious in about equal measure. BTW, does the thread know what a miniscule slice of the Chinese market Unicom represents? Similar to the situation with the poor, much misunderstood C-LECs here in the States. Unicom was created to give the illusion of competition in the telecom arena in the PRC. It never ceases to amaze me how such a small commercial sale can take on such monumental proportions in the minds of the investor. Sm:)e. JM2C, Ray This comment is not aimed at anyone on LT, more at the contentiousness on the Q thread over this trifle.