What is Cellular Networks?
Sometimes referred to as the mobile network, a cellular network is the communications network mobile devices, most
commonly smartphones and Internet of Things (IoT)
devices , connect to the
internet and each other.
They use both physical connections and wireless systems, with distributed wireless connections to individual devices
provided by cell towers, with cell towers, and the cells they form, connected together through physical hardware .
This approach enables high speed cellular connectivity for smartphones, tablets, IoT devices
and more. The integration of IoT connectivity is not as widely recognized as smartphone use of course, but is
arguably just as important to modern life, allowing IoT devices to connect with other gadgets and systems regardless
of distance, allowing for services such as vehicle
tracking , monitoring environmental
sensors, smart city
infrastructure management and more, with real-time data
exchanges regardless of location.
How Cellular Connectivity Works
So, you probably know that your smartphone connects to a cellular network for voice calls, texts and internet
access, but that is just a fraction of the ways these systems are used. But how does it achieve all this?
Consumer cellular is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), meaning it doesn't own its own network infrastructure
but instead rents space on existing networks. Consumer Cellular uses both AT&T and T-Mobile networks to provide
coverage to its customers.
What Does a Cellular Tower Do?
A cell tower, you might here it called a base station too, is a crucial component of cellular connectivity. Each
tower has both wireless transmitters and receivers, used to connect with mobile devices in that cell and enabling
devices to communicate . Signals are
sent to and from the cell tower and then passed to the broader network and internet.
These towers work in controlled areas, known as cells, so that any specific cell carried a limited number of
signals, ensuring that speed is maintained. This is also where the cellular name comes from.
Cellular network not available
Dividing the system into cells ensures that at any point, there are only a limited number of devices, those in the
immediate area, using those cell towers, to avoid overloads. However, while this system works well, if you do travel
to an area where there are no cell towers, you get the “cellular network not available ” message.
The good news is that with coverage so good these days, you will very rarely see such a message.
Conclusion
With a system we all rely on so much, like cellular connectivity, it is always important to have a little
understanding of how it all works. It allows us to appreciate just how much goes into making sure we can stream cat
videos on the beach or whatever else a smartphone can be used for, but also helps if something does go wrong.
As we rely increasingly on smartphones, IoT devices and other connected systems, cellular connectivity, and the
cellular networks that power it, will continue to increase in importance for every aspect of daily life.
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