CDMA Basic Terms

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CDMA VOCAB Basic terms

This will help you understand some of the basic terms used in phone flashing.


Flashing vs. Unlocking: The technical meaning of flashing is rewriting the Firmware (software) to a phone. Although it is more commonly used when referring to changing a phone's settings so that it works on a different provider's network e.i. Verizon to Cricket, Sprint to Metro PCS... ect.
Unlocking means entering a specific code into a GSM phone so as it will accept a different providers SIM card to be used on that network. We will not be discussing this in this section.

TDMA: Time Division Multiple Access/Digital AMPS- This 2G technology and has been basically phased out.
for more information see
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access- This is the network in which it's phone's are programed
For more info see
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications- This is the network that uses Sim cards
For more info see
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

ESN: Electronic Serial Numbers- The Serial number dedicated to each phone
More info
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

MEID: Mobile Equipment Identifier-This also is the Serial number dedicated to each CDMA phone but in a different form. Can Be seen in HEX (hex decimal) and DEC (decimal) form
more info
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

(pESN): pseudo ESN- a newer form of the ESN links to MEID

IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity- The serial number used in GSM phones
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

NOTE: The ESN, pESN, MEID, and IMEI are all the same thing just written in different forms

PRL: Preferred Roaming List- This lets the phone know what network to connect to
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

SPC/MSL: Service Programing Code/Master Subsidy Lock- This is a 6 digit code used keep the average phone user from programing the phone. Some providers have codes that are specific to each phone based off of the ESN e.i. Sprint, USSC. Other providers use a universal code e.i. Verizon uses 000000, Cricket uses 333333.

SID: System Identification- Determines which towers to go off of.
NOTE. if the PRL and SID do not match up the the phone will stay in roam or get no service

NID: Network Identification- This number usually does not need to be changed

MDN: Mobile Directory Number- The phone number that is dialed to connect

MIN: Mobile Identification Number- This number is used by the system to identify the phone
NOTE. This number does not always match the MDN
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

MMS: Multimedia Messaging Service- Picture messaging
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

WAP: Wireless Application Protocol- This is the phones mobile web
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

MIP: Mobile IP- This is the the IP gateway settings used to connect to the web
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

ERI: Enhanced Roaming Indicator

EVDO: Evolution-Data Optimized- This is used to enhance Mobile web
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

BIN: Binary file- In phone flashing the bin refers to the firmware(software) for a phone

Monster File: This is basically a bin file used for Motorola phones

ROM: This is a bin file used for PDA's

OTA: Over the Air Activation- Done by dialing *228, *22804, or *22808

NAM: Number Assignment Module-The section of phones designated to Number Assignment, PRL, SID, NID... ect

Brick: This is when a phone is broken & can no longer be used. Some times a phone can be unbricked by reflashing however sometimes you need special equipment such as a JTag

Service Books: Used on Blackberry's- Used to set up things like MMS, WAP,... ect


These are basic terms you should know before perusing any phone flashing endeavor.
If there is anything missing you think should be there please let me know.

I hope this helps

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