Technical Explanation Of Csd, Hscsd And Gprs; Circuit Switched Data (Csd) - Sony Ericsson P800 White Paper

P800 Smartphone
For Internal Use Only
White Paper, May 2002

Technical Explanation of CSD, HSCSD and GPRS

This section provides an overview of the way data communication works in a GSM network
environment. This will help you to understand the characteristics of the different solutions
supported by the P800 and the parameters which govern the data transmission speeds available.

Circuit Switched Data (CSD)

A modem and landline is a common way to connect to the internet and company networks. The
modem establishes a telephone call to the remote server which is 'circuit-switched', meaning that
a telephone circuit is maintained for the duration of the connection, irrespective of whether data
flows or not. The connection has a fixed bandwidth and is normally charged on a connected-time
basis.
Server Circuit-Switched Network
In GSM networks, this facility is widely available and is called Circuit Switched Data (CSD). It is
very similar to using a modem, but is subject to lower data transmission speeds due to the
connection taking place over the GSM wireless network. The standard speed of operation for
CSD is 9.6kbps transmit and receive. 14.4kbps is available in some GSM networks. The P800 will
operate at the higher speed where it is available.
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