What's Inside
Inside your wireless phone, there is a compact speaker, a microphone, a keyboard, a display screen, and a powerful circuit board with microprocessors that make each phone a miniature computer. When connected to a wireless network, this bundle of technologies allows you to make phone calls or exchange data with other phones and computers around the world. The components operate so efficiently that a lightweight battery can power your phone for days.

Today, wireless phones fit in the palm of your hand, weigh only a few ounces, and offer features such as color graphics, musical ring tones and voice-activated dialing. Only a few years ago, the electronics in this sleek device would have filled a large briefcase.

With wireless data services, you can receive faxes, browse the Internet, send and receive email or play video games-all on your wireless phone. Some even include built-in digital cameras, spreadsheet software, GPS location services and music features.

A wireless phone is really a radio-a very sophisticated and versatile radio. Much like a walkie-talkie, a wireless phone receives and sends radio signals. Because these radios connect into a network, wireless phones offer much more-the ability to call any telephone anywhere in the world, Internet access and data services.

The Nuts and Bolts
Wireless networks operate on a grid that divides cities or regions into smaller cells. One cell might cover a few city blocks or up to 250 square miles. Every cell uses a set of radio frequencies or channels to provide service in its specific area. The power of these radios is controlled in order to limit the signal's geographic range. Because of this, the same frequencies can be re-used in nearby cells. So, many people can hold conversations simultaneously in different cells throughout the city or region, even though they are on the same channel.

In each cell, there is a base station consisting of a wireless antenna and other radio equipment. The wireless antenna in each cell links callers into the local telephone network, the Internet or another wireless network.

No longer just big radio towers, wireless antennas can be mounted in church steeples, on trees and flagpoles, and on top of tall buildings. Many are no larger than stereo speakers. In rural areas, taller antennas send signals further distances to better serve users who are more spread out.

How Wireless Works Brochure




  • Download the  version here.





Pages:   1,   2,   3