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Bridging 3G, EDGE, GPRS, and WiFi

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the staying-plugged-in dept.

Rob writes to tell us CBR is reporting that T-Mobile is expanding their core network to provide seamless integration of 3G, EDGE, GPRS, and WiFi networks. From the article: "Nortel said it was able to provide T-Mobile with the new service thanks to integration of Nortel's existing Gateway GPRS Support Node with Azaire Networks' IP Converged Network Platform. Azaire's IP-CNP provides an integrated hybrid network by extending the services from the existing 3G and GSM core network investments over new access technologies like WiFi and WiMax, Nortel said."

3 of 93 comments (clear)

  1. Only In Europe... by nano_assembler · · Score: 4, Interesting

    As an American, I read about these nifty phone network upgrades and know that I will not see them for at least 3 years. Why is this? Is it the geographical size of the market? The size of the customer bases that subscribe to the networks? Regulatory restrictions? User demand/knowledge/acceptance of these features?

    I am inviting anyone in the know to please beat me with the clue stick!

    1. Re:Only In Europe... by The+Mad+Debugger · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Cingular is in the process of rolling out UMTS with HSDPA, it's already available in a bunch of markets, and Verizon and Sprint already have EVDO all over the place. I even see two UMTS handsets on the Cingular website for my market. Unless you're living somewhere pretty rural, we've already *got* all the good stuff.

      My guess, BTW, is that T-Mobile is interested in this wi-fi stuff because they're farthest back in the pack to deploy 3G data. They're mostly stuck with EDGE, and they won't be able to compete without tying in all their Wi-Fi hotspots.. and I'm not even sure they have the spectrum they'd need for a UMTS rollout.

  2. screw 3G...etc by atarione · · Score: 3, Interesting

    why couldn't we just bypass the cellular guys altogether (skipping 3G, GPRS and Edge). and instead focus on creating a new VoIP based service in conjunction w/ WiMAX?)

    --
    actually I am happy to see you, however that is in fact a banana in my pocket.