Interim Standard 95

What Does Interim Standard 95 Mean?

Interim Standard 95 (IS-95) is a second generation (2G) mobile telecommunications standard based on code division multiple access (CDMA) technology, which guarantees multiple access when sending voice and data between mobile phones and cell sites. IS-95 operates in the 800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency bands.

IS-95 is also known as TIA/EIA-95. It is marketed under the brand name CDMA One (cdmaOne).

Techopedia Explains Interim Standard 95

IS-95 is the first Qualcomm standard under CDMA digital cellular technology, but the term generally applies to a protocol revision (P_REV=1) that was developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).

IS-95 was launched with the interoperability advantage of 1G (first-generation analog cellular network), which was IS-95’s predecessor. If an interoperation option between IS-95 and an analog network exist, the latter standard’s robust network infrastructure has an edge – even against its counterpart, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

IS-95 base stations and handsets are data packet capable, and the IS-95 network uses IP based equipment. This infrastructure provides a high degree of compatibility for network operators implementing high-speed data services and allows network operators to evolve to third-generation (3G), which is an established IP-based standard.

Another advantage of an IS-95 network is IP gateway incorporation, or Interworking Function (IWF), which receives data from mobile phones in Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) format. However, the IWF assigns a temporary IP address for that session, which provides flexibility to the IS-95 network infrastructure because it can incorporate any manufacturer’s standard router into the IWF.