Common control channel provisioning for wireless packet data systems with compact frequency reuse and its impacts on EDGE system performance

This paper introduces the methods for providing reliable common control channels in packet data systems while utilizing a compact spectrum. The numerical examples were obtained from simulations of the EDGE (Enhanced Data-rates for GSM Evolution) system, a third generation TDMA based wireless packet system, initially targeted for applications such as Web browsing deployed over a wide-area cellular infrastructure. While compact frequency reuse results in better spectrum efficiency, the provisioning of common control functionality becomes challenging. We describe and evaluate a method based on time-synchronized base stations time-sharing control channels to achieve effectively 4/12 or 3/9 reuse. This system is capable of providing a stand-alone EDGE deployment using only three 200 kHz carriers. We present simulation results to understand the impacts on both control and traffic channels.