Terms and abbreviations

Bearer Services

These come into the picture when data transmission services are needed, e.g. for sending text messages or accessing WAP. There are different kinds of bearer sevices available.

Bluetooth

Supporting both data and audio connections, Bluetooth lets you to connect wirelessly to a compatible PC or any other Bluetooth-enabled device up to ten meters away.

CSD

Circuit Switched Data = GSM data/normal data call. In conventional GSM networks, data transmission speeds could reach a maximum 9.6. kbps. This was adequate in the early days when mobile phones were used primarily for voice calls. But the structure of the GSM network makes if possible to more effectively utilize the radio frequencies, which are divided into time slots.

Cookies

Works similarly to the Internet cookies. A server can store a text-string in the phone, making it possible for a WAP-service to recognise the user from time to time, creating a more personal and easier browsing.

Direct calling (WTAI - Wireless Telephony Applications Interface)

WTAI enables interaction from the WAP browser to the mobile phone. For example it will be possible to call directly from a phone book on a WAP page by selecting the number to call. The WAP page must be designed to support this feature. Downloadable Calendar (vCal) and Contact (vCard) items Calendar appointments and business cards can be saved to the phone's calendar or phone book. E.g. while browsing you can select a calendar event or a business card to be saved into the phone's memory.

Dual-Band

Some operators transmit on a radio frequency band of 900 MHz, whereas others use 1800 MHz. Phones, called dual-band, can understand both. This gives you more choice when moving around, where agreements cover both kinds of network. (see also Tri-band)

Dynamic Memory

Dynamic memory means that the number of total entries depends on the amount of content/information for each entry. In other words, the more content you have per entry, the fewer entries you can have (e.g. several numbers under one name in the phonebook means fewer phonebook entries in total).

ECML

Electronic Commerce Modeling Language

EGSM

Extended GSM. The EGSM operating frequency extends 10 MHz lower on the 900 MHz band. Both the phone and the network must support this feature.

GPRS

General Packet Radio Service. With GPRS you can be online all the time. You can be continuously connected to data networks and use your favourite information and entertainment services. Furthermore, it provides immediate connectivity and higher data throughput than before, so information retrieval is more accessible and convenient.

The main initial use for GPRS is to have it as a bearer for WAP services. In GPRS technology the data is sent in 'packets'; this is well suited to the sporadic nature of data applications. GPRS can also be used as a bearer for PC applications in a similar way as CSD and HSCSD are used.

GSM

Global System for Mobile Communications. The technology standard used in modern mobile phones in Europe and much of the rest of the world.

HSCSD

High Speed Circuit Switched Data. In the user's point of view the most important feature is the increased speed. This makes connection times shorter and the use of current applications more convenient and faster. Data connections can be up to four times faster than earlier and the use of such applications as mobile navigation services using maps and graphics comes more attractive. As HSCSD is circuit switched, it is more suited to applications such as videoconferencing and multimedia than 'bursty' type applications such as email, which is more suited to packet switched data (GPRS). HSCSD allows wireless data to be transmitted at 43.2 kilobits per second over GSM networks. This is comparable to the transmission rates of usual modems via fixed telephone networks today.

Infrared

Some phones have a little infrared eye built into them. This can be used to transmit data to another device with an infrared eye, without needing to link the two with a cable. If you want to use your mobile for sending computer data, or to synchronise the contacts in your phone with another compatible phone or to swap ringing tones with another infrared user, it's a big plus.

OTA

Over the Air. It is possible to send and receive, for example, bookmarks or WAP settings Over-The-Air as Smart Messages (SMS as a transfer media).

PC SUITE

The Nokia PC Suite is a synchronization application that allows you to synchronise calendar items and contacts between you phone and your PC Personal Information Manager (PIM), thus keeping both your phone and PC PIM up-to-date.

Push Service message indicator

You can receive a service message (pushed message) with a short header and a link to a specific WAP service from your service provider. You can turn the service 'on' or 'off'.

Tri-Band

Some operators transmit on a radio frequency band of 900 MHz, whereas others use 1800 MHz or 1900 MHz. Phones, called tri-band, can understand all three. This gives you more choice when moving around, where agreements cover all three kinds of networks. (See also Dual-band)

WAP

Wireless Application Protocol. Open global standard for total mobile solutions, including communication between a mobile handset and the Internet or other computer applications. WAP-based technology enables the design of advanced, interactive and real-time mobile services, such as mobile banking or Internet- based news services, which can be used in digital mobile phones or other mobile devices.

WTLS

Wireless Transport Layer Security