GERAN
GERAN is an abbreviation for GSM EDGE Radio Access Network. The standards for GERAN are maintained by the 3GPP. GERAN is a key part of GSM, and also of combined UMTS/GSM networks.
GERAN is the radio part of GSM/EDGE together with the network that joins the base stations and the base station controllers The network represents the core of a GSM network, through which phone calls and packet data are routed from and to the PSTN and Internet to and from subscriber handsets. A mobile phone operator's network comprises one or more GERANs, coupled with UTRANs in the case of a UMTS/GSM network.
A GERAN without EDGE is a GRAN, but is otherwise identical in concept.
A GERAN without GSM is an ERAN.
