What Is Cellular?

Cellular networks have been around for a long time, but they're still new to us humans. The word "cellular" comes from the word "cell." It refers to a network technology that facilitates mobile device communication over areas comprised of cells and transceivers (also known as base stations or cell sites). Mobile or cell phones are the most widely used mobile transceivers in a cellular network. Cellular networks can transmit voice calls, text messages and data across large geographic areas via satellite or terrestrial radio waves. They allow users to make and receive phone calls from anywhere in their coverage area, and we mean anywhere! Cellular technology is utilized in maximum cell devices, with few exceptions (inclusive of satellite tv for pc phones). It operates thru Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) thru Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and different encoding techniques. It uses radio waves to transmit information between the device and cell towers, which are antennas that receive signals from your phone. These signals are then sent to a switching center and routed to your carrier's network. The process of receiving a cellular signal is called "handoff." It happens when you move from one cell tower's coverage area into another cell tower's coverage area without losing your connection. When this happens, your phone automatically connects with the new tower without dropping its connection with the old tower. Handoff (or handover) is a key feature of cellular networks. It's that thing where you're talking to someone on your phone, and suddenly, their voice gets all staticky and weird, and then it goes back to normal again. It's important because it means you don't have to get up during your phone call and walk to another room to get better reception. Handoff is for the people who want to stay in their seats and keep talking.