Wireless Glossary (S)
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SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) the unit of measurement for the amount of radio frequency (RF) absorbed by the body when using a wireless phone. Usually SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) or milliwatts per kilogram (mW/kg). In the United States the maximum allowable SAR is 1.6 w/Kg. In Europe that value is 2 w/Kg.
Satellite Phone a phone that connect callers via satellite. Satellite phones give users a worldwide alternative to sometimes un-reliable digital and analog connections but the systems are costly.
Scratch Pad allows you to enter information into a phones keypad during a conversation without interrupting the call.
Screensaver a picture or animation which appears on a cell phone’s display when it is idle.
Scroll Keys a key or keys on a mobile phone’s keypad that allows a user to scroll forward and backward through menu options and lists.
SDK a Software Development Kit for wireless application developers.
SDMA (Space Division Multiple Access) a variation of TDMA and CDMA that potentially will be used in high-bandwidth, third-generation wireless products.
Security Code a numeric code (password) used to prevent unauthorized or accidental alteration of data programmed into wireless phones. The security code can be used by the owner of a phone to change the lock code.
Service Agreement a business contract or agreement with a service provider to use its service for a period of time. The contract typically outlines the services provided and the costs of the services including a monthly base rate (with included minutes) and per-minute charges for minutes over the monthly maximum. In return for your commitment, a service provider will generally subsidize the initial cost of a cell phone.
Service Area refers to the geographic area served by a wireless carrier, within which you can use your wireless device to send and receive calls or information. Service areas vary greatly from carrier to carrier. Often used to describe the strength of a service provider’s signal. Also referred to as coverage area.
Service Plan an agreement with a service provider which gives access to the wireless network, gives an allotted number of minutes per month, and may include features such as call forwarding, call display, etc..
SH3 one of the three types of processors that can be found in Pocket PCS. Created by Hitachi, the SH3 has a unique architecture compared to its two competitors (ARM and MIPS), and therefore can only run programs created specifically for it.
Short Message Service see SMS.
Signal Strength Meter a visual indicator which displays the relative strength of the cellular signal to help ensure that quality calls can be placed.
Silent Keypad a feature that turns off the tones made by a cell phone when pressing a key.
Silent Ringer a feature that signals incoming calls by flashing an indicator light rather than ringing.
Silent Scratch Pad a feature that silences the tones heard when pressing a key on a cell phone.
SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) a removable plastic card found in GSM phones that stores pertinent information about a phone such as your phone number, account information, phone book, PIM data, etc.. The card can be plugged into any GSM compatible phone and the phone is instantly personalized to the user. SIMs come in two sizes: large (credit card size) and small (thumbnail size).
SIM Lock software within a phone that can be enabled so that the phone will only work with a one nominated SIM card. Carriers usually block mobile phones to assure they are only used in their network.
Slave Units any unit within a Piconet that is not the master unit.
Sleep Mode allows the user to conserve battery power when the phone is waiting for a call.
Smartphone a term typically used to describe a next-generation device that combines the functionality of a mobile phone with the enhanced features found in a PDA. Functions such as calendar, telephone book, e-mail, to-do lists, spreadsheets, word processors, and wireless Internet access are typical.
SMR (specialized mobile radio) a dispatch radio and interconnect service for businesses. Covers frequencies in the 220 MHZ, 800 MHZ and 900 MHZ bands.
SMS (Short Message Service) a service that enables subscribers to send short text messages (usually about 160 characters) to and from wireless handsets. These messages can be sent from a Web site or from one wireless phone to another and enhancements are being made to support rich text and graphics. See MMS and EMS. Also called Text Messaging. (network and subscription dependent feature – not available in all areas)
SMS Chat a feature available on some newer phones that allow a user to “chat” with other users via the sms protocol.
SND (Send) a key on cell phone that initiates the call typed on the keypad and answers incoming calls.
Soft handoff a procedure in which two base stations – one in the cell site where the phone is located and the other in the cell site to which the conversation is being passed – both hold onto the call until the handoff is completed. The first cell site does not cut off the conversation until it receives information that the second is maintaining the call.
Speakerphone enables conversation to take place hands-free. Enhances safety and convenience and can be used to conduct conference calls. There are two distinct types of two-way speaker-phone functionality: Half-Duplex and Full-Duplex. Half-Duplex allows only one person to speak at a time. When one person is speaking, the other person can not be heard at all until the first person has stopped speaking completely. With Full-Duplex, both parties can speak naturally and be heard at the same time, just like non-speakerphone usage.
Spectrum refers to a band of frequencies where wireless signals travel carrying voice and data information.
Speed Dialing a feature which allows a user to connect to a phone number by pressing one, two or three digits instead of dialing in an entire phone number.
Standby Time refers to the amount of time a battery lasts when a wireless device is turned on but is not in use. When the phone is switched on and waiting for a call it is on ’standby’. A cell phone will consume battery power when on standby but far less than when talking on the phone.
Subscribers the user of an individual handset. In some cases, a client or customer equates to a subscriber, in other cases one client includes multiple subscribers.
Subscriber Identification Module see SIM.
Subsidy when a cell phone is purchased, it is generally subsidized by whichever network you connect to. You may only pay $1 for a phone worth $300. If the phone is then lost or stolen, the replacement cost will be a higher, unsubsidized price.
Subsidy Lock see Master Subsidy Lock.
Switch-Hook Operation handles call transferring, three-way calling, and other services the service provider may offer.
Stylus a pen like device usually used coupled with handwriting recognition software for writing on a PDA or mobile phone display. It also works to navigate trough sensitive menus.
Symbian the name given to a venture formed by Nokia, Ericsson, Motorola, and Psion to create easy to use operating systems for wireless devices and personal digital assistants (PDAs). The first operating system is called EPOC.
Synchronous mode a standard for data communication in which information is transmitted without start or stop bits, along with a clock icon that synchronizes the sender and the receiver. This mode allows bigger transfer rates but it may be more uncertain due to the need of synchronization.
SyncML an open data synchronization protocol enabling data synchronization between mobile devices and networked services. SyncML is a transport, data type, and platform independent technology that is based on Extensible Markup Language (XML).
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