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Primer: Intro To Cellular Networks

Introduction Basics Details Brief History Keep It Going Comments 18

What The Network Looks Like How A Call Is Made

No matter where you are, if your phone displays a network name (as opposed to "no service" or a similar message) it is wirelessly connected or attached to a cell. When you come in range of a cell, it sends a message to the network, which then knows you're available and where to direct your calls.

When someone dials your number, a signal is sent out to the switching center responsible for your phone number. This switching center then looks to see if your phone is currently attached to a cell. If you are in range of a cell, a signal is sent to your phone to set up the call, and that's when your phone rings. This setup signal contains the caller ID and other vital information.

When you choose to answer the call, the cell sets aside a slice of capacity for your conversation, called a circuit. If the cell has already reached its capacity, the call will not go through and will typically be sent to your carrier's answering service, or voicemail.

If you begin moving out of range of a cell while on a phone call, the call will be passed on to a new cell if one is available. This process, called a handoff, is negotiated between your phone, the two cells, and the command center behind the scenes while you are on the call. However if there is no cell in the direction you are moving, or the cell has reached its capacity, the call is unexpectedly ended, or dropped.

Pressing the end key closes the circuit that you were assigned and tells the switching center you have ended the call.

How A Call Is Made

Making a call works in pretty much the same fashion. When you enter a number to call, there is no dial tone because your phone is not connected to the cell yet. Your phone initiates a circuit with the cell by transmitting the desired phone number to call once you press the send key.

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