T-Mobile Smartphone
Mobile telephone services use radio technology to transfer data and voice signals. One such technology, the General Packet Radio Service (or GPRS), is used to transfer data from a mobile phone to a service carrier network. Another wireless technology, the Wireless Application Protocol (or WAP), is also used for wireless network communications.
What is GPRS?
General Packet Radio Service is a mobile data service that allows "data packets" of electronic information to be transmitted over a provider network. This service is used by wireless telephone service providers who use the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) standard.
Benefits of GPRS
General Packet Radio Service allows service providers who use GSM to offer expanded services. Some of these services are "always on" Internet service, Multimedia Messaging Service (also known as MMS) and Internet applications (such as web browsers) via WAP.
Data transfer rates using GPRS are greater than GSM transfer rates. While GSM allows for a maximum download rate of 14.4 Kilobits per second (or, Kbps), GPRS offers a maximum download rate of 56 Kbps.
What Is WAP?
Wireless Access Protocol, or WAP, is a group of specifications that allows users of cell phones and personal digital assistant devices to access the Internet. Wireless Access Protocol supports such standard Internet protocols as hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), Internet Protocol (IP) and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
Benefits of WAP
Unlike GPRS, Wireless Access Protocol is not tied to one wireless communication standard. Wireless Access Protocol is used with equipment compatible with GSM and Code Division Multiple Access (or CDMA) networks.
Wireless Access Protocol also allows cell phone and personal digital assistant manufacturers to utilize WAP-specific software applications. Because of the limited memory and storage capabilities of devices such as cell phones and PDAs, WAP browsers can be installed on such devices rather than full-featured versions of Internet browsers, thus saving precious storage space.
Practical Applications
GPRS and WAP are widely used in smartphones that are compatible with the GSM network standard. Some common smartphone manufacturers that enable the use of WAP and GPRS are RIM BlackBerry, HTC, Palm and Danger (makers of the T-Mobile Sidekick).
Tags: Access Protocol, Wireless Access, Wireless Access Protocol, General Packet, General Packet Radio, Packet Radio