Article
Article
Mobile communications
Article By:
Valenzuela, Reinaldo A. Nokia Bell Labs, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.428800
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- Mobile communications, published January 2014:Download PDF
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Radio communication in which one or both ends of the communication path are movable. Mobile communications, also known as wireless communications, are conducted with transportable devices, such as cellular phones and tablet computers, that use radio waves to transmit information (Fig. 1). In this way, mobile communications are distinguishable from landline forms of communication, which use devices connected to fixed metal wires or optical cables. Mobile communications transmissions include voice traffic (humans speaking), but an ever-greater share of the throughput on networks is dedicated to data traffic, including for objects with Internet-connected sensors. For remote, developing, or crisis-torn areas, satellite-enabled mobile communications services are also available. See also: Communications cable; Communications satellite; Computer; Electrical communications; Internet; Optical communications; Radio; Radio receiver; Radio-wave propagation; Telephone; Telephone service; Transmission lines
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