By David
Many of us utilize cell phones, but how many of us truly know how they work? Cellular wireless phones are a significant step forward in our level of technology and interconnectedness and are worth understanding.
Mobile phone
The most noticeable piece in the cellular wireless phone puzzle is the handheld unit we know as the cell phone. This remarkable device has evolved over time to allow us to manage our schedules, do math calculations, record voice notes, keep a record of our contacts, surf the web, text friends, and oh yes, talk to one another over great distances instantaneously without the need for a long cord stretched between the two devices. This cellular technology turns what you say into data and sends it via radio waves to the closest cellular tower and eventually on to whomever you are talking to. Their cell phone reconverts the data back into sound. These little devices have not only changed the way we communicate, but the way we live.
Cellular tower
The next stage of technology we must discuss when talking about cellular wireless technology is the cell tower. These are tall radio towers that are ideally placed at the highest local point in order to get the best reception possible even in mountainous or hilly terrain. While a mountain would not strictly speaking stop a radio signal, it does deflect it from its original path thus preventing a poorly placed tower from connecting with mobile devices on the other side. Assuming no complications, a cell tower will receive signals from cell phones and forward them along to their intended recipient. If the recipient is using the same tower this is done directly where as if the two devices are using different towers the signal will typically be forwarded to a satellite before continuing its journey.
Satellite
The last bit of cellular wireless technology to discuss is the satellite system. When two cell phones are separated by a great distance a cell tower will pass the signal through a satellite in geosynchronous orbit (meaning it stays over one geographical location all the time) which will then either forward this message to another satellite in the network in a better position or directly to the appropriate tower. The reason a typical cell phone does not communicate directly with the satellite network is because its signal simply is not strong enough to reach it. A cell phone needs the help of the stronger signals that come from towers to reach a satellite. Satellites are used in this manner because it removes the potential for any obstacles to be in the way of the signal. However, it is the use of these satellites that causes problems with cell reception during a solar flare. In such an event, the satellites are actually shut down and sealed to prevent damage from the burst of ions, consequently, temporarily interrupting cellular communications.
Now that you understand how cell phones work, you can truly appreciate the amazing bit of technology we use every day.
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