EC-GSM (Extended coverage for GSM)

EC-GSM (Extended Coverage for GSM) is a technology designed to extend the coverage of the existing GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network to provide connectivity to remote areas or areas with poor network coverage. EC-GSM is also known as EC-GSM-IoT (Internet of Things) and is a part of the 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) Release 13 specifications.

The primary objective of EC-GSM is to enhance the coverage and reliability of the GSM network, especially in areas where the existing network coverage is poor. This technology offers a cost-effective solution for providing connectivity to devices that require low-power, low-data-rate communications, such as IoT devices.

EC-GSM uses the existing GSM network infrastructure, which reduces the need for additional investments in infrastructure. The technology makes use of the unused GSM spectrum, which is the spectrum that lies between the existing GSM bands. The unused spectrum is utilized for providing extended coverage, and the frequency band used for EC-GSM is known as the E-GSM band.

EC-GSM offers several advantages over the existing GSM network. One of the main benefits of EC-GSM is its extended coverage area, which can reach up to 100 km compared to the 35 km range of the traditional GSM network. This increased coverage area allows for the connection of devices in remote areas where the traditional GSM network coverage is limited or non-existent. The technology also provides improved indoor coverage, which is important for IoT devices that are often located inside buildings.

Another advantage of EC-GSM is its ability to operate on a low power consumption mode. This low-power mode allows devices to operate for several years without the need for battery replacement. This feature is particularly useful for IoT devices, as it eliminates the need for frequent battery replacement, which can be costly and inconvenient.

EC-GSM also offers improved network capacity, which allows for the connection of a large number of devices simultaneously. This feature is essential for the IoT ecosystem, where multiple devices need to be connected to the network simultaneously.

EC-GSM operates on the same frequency band as the existing GSM network, which means that existing GSM devices can be easily upgraded to support EC-GSM. This feature allows for a seamless transition to EC-GSM without the need for additional investments in infrastructure.

EC-GSM utilizes a modulation scheme known as GMSK (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying), which is the same modulation scheme used by the existing GSM network. This feature allows for a smooth integration of EC-GSM into the existing GSM network.

EC-GSM also utilizes the same core network architecture as the existing GSM network. This feature allows for a seamless integration of EC-GSM into the existing network, which reduces the need for additional investments in infrastructure.

In summary, EC-GSM is a technology that extends the coverage and reliability of the existing GSM network to provide connectivity to remote areas or areas with poor network coverage. The technology offers several advantages over the traditional GSM network, including increased coverage area, improved indoor coverage, low power consumption, improved network capacity, and seamless integration into the existing GSM network. EC-GSM is an essential technology for the IoT ecosystem, where multiple devices need to be connected to the network simultaneously, and low-power, low-data-rate communication is required.