Even though the popularity of mobile phones is at an all time
high, the complexity of the systems driving this technology
usually means that only those involved with the industry have a
complete understanding on how mobile phones actually work.
Until recently, and like most of today?s millions of mobile
phone users, I found myself confused by the amount of
information on the subject, and even when I found information
which was relevant, the terminology used was best suited to
someone with a degree in telecommunications.
In truth, the technology is very easy to understand when the
information is presented in simple terms. In this article I?ll
try to do just that ? simplify the technology.
The concept: Even though technology has become widely known as
wireless, this is only true between your handset and your
nearest receiving antenna. After that the connection goes
through a series of telephone wires until it reaches the antenna
nearest to the person you are calling ? assuming the call is to
another mobile.
Your handset and provider: If you put features to one side, one
handset works in much the same way to any other and the same is
true of the actual network provider you choose to go with.
Manufacturers such as Nokia and Samsung dedicate themselves at
producing the handsets and network providers such as Vodafone
and O2 focus on the structure of the network itself.
Cellular networks: The term ?Cellular? has been derived from the
fact that each antenna only has a reach of a limited area; this
area is known as a cell. By placing antennas in various part of
the country, providers have created Cellular network. The total
area within these cells, determines the coverage of a network
service provider.
Making and receiving calls: When you make a call, your mobile
phone locates the nearest antenna available for your network and
connects you to the wired telephone system. The telephone
network then locates the nearest antenna available for the
person you are trying to call and connects you to that mobile.
The opposite happens when you receive a call.
Your location: For a connection to be successful, your network
needs to know where your phone is located. To achieve this you
mobile phone is in constant communication with your nearest
antenna.
If you move location, and your original antenna no longer has
enough reach to connect to your mobile, your phone will
automatically search for another one. The new antenna then
informs the system of your new location.
Conclusion: This article is by no means trying to undermine the
achievements or the potential the technology has to offer.
Instead, it is intended to provide an insight to the key
elements of the mobile phone technology which would otherwise
remain invisible to everyday users.
About the author:
Marco Barra is a web designer for Digital Phone Company, a
leading independent provider of mobile phones serving over
30,000 customers across East Anglia through a network of 11
retail outlets and a team of dedicated Business to Business
consultants. www.digital-phone.co.uk
|
