ABSTRACT
Since the start of the twenty-first century, the phenomenal growth of cellular telephones has redefined the way business, government and individual users communicate on a day-to-day basis. A cellular telephone (or mobile phone) is a long-range, portable communication device that enables mobile communication to occur. Mobile phone technology relies on a highly sophisticated network of radio communication frequencies that provide over-the-air telephone service to users with hand-held portable phones. Mobile phone systems are designed to interface with the public switched telephone network, which enables users to make both local and long-distance telephone calls. A cellular telephone system consists of four major parts. They include:
Cell site
Base station (BS)
Mobile telephone switching office (MTSO)
Cellular telephone.
SmartphonesThe term smart phone describes a new generation of cellular telephones that are highly personalized and feature a variety of enhanced information services. The real introduction into smart-phone design began in 2006 with the introduction of the Apple iPhone. The iPhone set the standard for Internet mobile phone design by using a multi-touch screen with a virtual keyboard and buttons. Since then, multiple companies including Samsung, Sony, Microsoft and others have introduced their own smart phone versions.
Today’s smart-phones have built in functionality that is programmable. The smartphone emphasizes the personal aspect of wireless technology by advancing a number of enhanced feature elements, including: (1) Internet Access, (2) Text Messaging, (3) MP3 Music Player, (4) Email, (5) Camera and Photo Storage, (6) Video Camera and (7) GPS Locator.
The Future of 5GA major challenge going forward has to do with electromagnetic spectrum availability. The nation’s telephone carriers are struggling to keep up with the demand for wireless capability as an increasing number of people use their smart phones and other wireless devices for the purpose of accessing the Internet, checking Facebook, transmitting text messages and pictures and/or watching videos on-line. Central to this discussion is the future of 5G standards which will increase mobile device speed and throughput as well as increase Internet connectivity better known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The consumer-oriented “things” that comprise IoT will in large part consist of mobile devices, wearables, (i.e., smart watches, GPS) and mobile E-commerce.
Satellite CommunicationA communication satellite is essentially a microwave relay in the sky, operating at 22,300 miles above the earth’s equator. Satellites provide an efficient means of reaching isolated places on the earth and are considerably less expensive than terrestrial communication links for select applications. Communication satellites are a versatile form of wireless communication. What distinguishes communication satellites from other forms of wireless communication is its high orbital position and movement.
This chapter will look at the business of satellite communication and earth station design including various types of business applications. Special attention is given to how different kinds of media companies and other commercial enterprises use satellite communication for the delivery of long-haul television, mobile telephony and data services. This chapter will further consider information pertaining to satellite common carriers like Intelsat, SES SA, Inmarsat and Eutelsat to name only a few. Two important technology applications include Direct Broadcast Satellite TV as well as Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites.
