Synchronization strategies for GSM/EDGE networks

Inter-base station synchronization offers the potential for dramatically increased capacity in cellular networks based on GSM and EDGE (the 3rd Generation evolution of GSM and TDMA). In combination with tight frequency reuse and fractional loading, synchronization allows interference in the network to be reduced through the intelligent allocation of frequency hopping parameters. This paper introduces and evaluates possible planning strategies applicable to synchronized GSM and EDGE networks. In addition, the concept of mobile allocation index offset (MAIO) hopping is introduced as a new method to significantly increase interference diversity.