What is a cell phone ?

A cell phone is a telecommunication device working using radio waves to transmit and receive signals. Unlike conventional fixed line telephones cell phones does not require fixed lines to connect, instead it uses radio waves to connect to the network. The network will have a powerful towers where the signals from cell phones are picked and send to other locations around the globe using other networks including optical fibre cables and satellites. Cell phones have evolved to great extent and now we use cell phones for other services like SMS, MMS and to access internet. Newest generation cell phones features mp3 players , digital cameras, personal digital assistants, bluetooth connectivity and many more!

How cell phones work?

Cell phones majorly uses two types of technology called GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) & CDMA (Code division multiple access). Eventhough each has its own advantages and disadvantages GSM is the most popular system around the world. Both of these technologies uses electromagnetic radio waves to transmit and receive signals. Cell phones periodically communicate with base stations (where towers are located) and listens for the nearest tower with the strongest signal. Once found, the handset informs that tower of its own unique identifier, and alerts the mobile phone network that it is ready and standing-by to receive telephone calls. This cycle is then repeated as the phone roams around the network and new towers appear in the handset's range.