Non Transparent vs. Transparent GSM Data

Non Transparent communication utilises a special GSM network-based error correction facility called "Radio Link Protocol" (RLP) that ensures more robust transmission.What this essentially means is that the GSM network's IWU will add special error correction codes to control the flow of data.

This ensures that the data transmitted first obtains a special acknowledgement signal from the receiver that informs the transmitter that the data has been received as transmitted and that the receiver is ready to receive the next set of data from the transmitter.

If there is no such acknowledgement signal from the receiver, the networks will utilise their "data buffering" feature by using a special "forward correction" technique to ensure uninterrupted data transmission throughout.

Not all cellphones support GSM's Non Transparent (RLP-based) data capabilities.

Transparent data transmission means that there is no GSM error correction supplied over the air interface.

Non-Transparent data only applies to data transfers and not faxing since the Group 3 standard for fax transmission is a transparent protocol.

Both Vodacom and MTN GSM networks support both non transparent and transparent data communications.

Reference : http://www.cellular.co.za/gsm_data_transparent-data.htm

 

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