Multi-Tech Systems MTSGSM User Manual
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MultiMobile SoftGSM User Guide
MTSGSM
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transmissions are encrypted for transmission across the network. This has been a key
strength for GSM providing peace of mind for users, without the need for additional
expenditure on expensive hardware and software.
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Quick call set-up. GSM was developed to interwork with the Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN). ISDN uses a technique known as rate adaptation to convert the slower
GSM data up to 64 Kbps ISDN data 12. As a result when a data call is made from a GSM
handset to an ISDN terminal adapter, the quick call set-up capability of ISDN can be utilized.
Typically, the call set-up time dialing into an ISDN TA is 3-4 seconds, as compared with
dialing into a V.34 modem which will average 35-40 seconds.
GSM Data Applications
With today’s relatively low data rate for GSM, the range of applications has been limited. However as
GSM’s data capabilities are enhanced, the range of applications for which it can be used will
increase. At present Email, fax and mobile Internet access are among the more popular applications.
To receive fax and data services to a handset, you will need to obtain a separate fax and data
number from your network operator.
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Mobile Internet access. The Internet is becoming increasingly important in the commercial
world. Having the ability to access the Internet from any location will become a vital tool for
mobile workers. Many GSM network operators are now developing dedicated Internet access
services, allowing users to dial into a virtual point of presence. Connection to the Internet is
typically over an ISDN link, which provides for quicker call set-up and clear-down. Although
Internet access over GSM may be slower than traditional landline Internet access, many web
pages now offer text only versions. Alternatively, users can normally configure their web
browser not to receive graphical images, thus decreasing the amount of time required for
downloading web pages.
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Remote database access. Remote database access is becoming an increasingly popular
application in the mobile data environment. Often sales people out in the field need up to the
minute information, such as pricing, stock details or financial information etc. By enabling
remote access to databases over GSM, information can be accessed almost immediately by
people away from the office. Many companies are now moving to provide access to
databases via the Internet, to take advantage of its local call rates.
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E-mail. The ability for mobile workers to send and retrieve electronic mail while away from
the office is now a necessity. GSM data users are able to send and receive E-mail in the
same way as they would, using a standard modem.
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Short Message Service (SMS). SMS is the method by which short text messages can be
sent or received by a GSM handset (in effect users can send GSM’s own version of E-mail to
each other). To use SMS, the user types the message by pressing the number pad of the
phone to correspond with a given letter (i.e. to type the letter b, you would press the number
2 twice). There are 2 main types of SMS services, point-to-point and cell broadcast. Point-to-
point is for sending a short message of up to 160 characters to an individual subscriber. Cell
broadcast messages are up to 93 characters long, and are typically broadcasts from the
network operator to a number of subscribers. Instead of typing the message on the handset
itself, many users find it easier to use software that allows them to type the SMS message
using the PC keyboard. As with the general data services, ETSI has made a number of
revisions to the original SMS specification allowing a range of new services to be offered to
users. These include concatenated short messages, which provides for the sending of
multiple short messages to a user who can then reassemble the messages to create a large
message.
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File transfer and remote LAN access. Mobile users can use GSM to remotely connect to
their corporate LAN. With GSM digital technology, it can be more secure to use GSM as
opposed to traditional analog modems, especially if logging to the corporate LAN from a
different country. By default, all voice and data traffic sent across the GSM network is