This book explains the basics of circuit switched and packet data via a variety of wireless mobile systems. Included are descriptions of various public and private systems that are used for mobile data and messaging services. You will learn the different types of systems that can be used for mobile data ranging from simple cellular data connections to mobile telephones to dedicated packet radio communication systems. You will learn that the cost of these systems can range from less than a few pennies per gigabyte to over $10 per kilobyte. In addition to traditional mobile data systems, wireless system operators are converting their voice, dispatch, and paging systems to two-way mobile data systems. This has resulted in a much lower cost of sending mobile data, and it has increased consumer awareness of the availability and reliability of mobile data services. Because the needs of voice and data communication are different, the operation of the mobile data radio is different. The reliability, cost, and bandwidth limitations compared to wired communication systems can significantly vary. This book provides an understanding of what some of the key differences between mobile data systems and services. You will discover that the key types of mobile data devices include external radio modems, wireless PCMCIA cards, embedded radio modules, and mobile telephones. External radio modems allow the customer to simply plug in their mobile data device to their USB or Ethernet data port to their desktop or laptop computer. Wireless data PCMCIA cards can be added to most laptop computers or embedded radio modules allow devices such as PDAs and Laptops to integrate high-speed wireless data. Some mobile telephones include both voice and mobile data capability. Mobile data devices can have single mode (data only) or they may provide for dual mode (voice and data) capability. You will discover how the mobile data system can have dramatically different data transmission rates. In introduction to the different types of mobile data systems is covered including cellular data, DataTacT, Mobitex, CDPD, GPRS, EVDO, HSDPA and WLAN hot spots is provided. Your will learn the basic operation and component, how these systems operate and the basic services that they can provide.