The frames contain 160 samples and are 20 milliseconds long.<ref name="3gpp-26090" /> AMR uses various techniques,
The frames contain 160 samples and are 20 milliseconds long.<ref name="3gpp-26090" /> AMR uses various techniques, such as [[algebraic code excited linear prediction|ACELP]], [[discontinuous transmission|DTX]], [[voice activity detection|VAD]] and [[comfort noise|CNG]]. The usage of AMR requires optimized link adaptation that selects the best codec mode to meet the local radio channel and capacity requirements. If the radio conditions are bad, [[source coding]] is reduced and [[channel coding]] is increased. This improves the quality and robustness of the network connection while sacrificing some voice clarity. In the particular case of AMR this improvement is somewhere around S/N = 4–6 dB for usable communication. The new intelligent system allows the network operator to prioritize capacity or quality per base station.
There are a total of 14 modes of the AMR codec, eight are available in a full rate channel (FR) and six on a half rate channel (HR).
{| class="wikitable"
! Mode !! Bitrate (kbit/s) !! Channel !! Compatible with
|-
| AMR_12.20 || 12.20 || FR || [[Enhanced full rate|ETSI GSM enhanced full rate]]