Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
© iStockphoto.com/Petrovich9
Figure.8 2
Satellites can be used for broadband communications.
Cell Phone Networks
Cellular telephone companies have their own data networks, using a
combination of satellites, cables, and on-ground towers with transmitters
and receivers on them. Calls connect to the cell tower that is closest to
the phone's current location,
and that cell tower then taps
into the larger telecommunica-
tions network via satellites and
cables.
Some cell phone networks
can also be used to access the
Internet (see Figure 8.3). You
can access the Internet on a
smartphone
(a cell phone
that includes computer func-
tionality), and you can
tether
(connect) a smartphone to a
computer and use the phone as
a modem to allow the computer
Internet access.
smartphone
A cellular phone that includes com-
puter applications and Internet access capability.
tether
To connect a smartphone to a computer
so that the computer can use the smartphone's
Internet access.
© iStockphoto.com/amete
Figure.8 3
Cell phone networks can carry both
voice and data.
