Wireless and Location Hardware
Untethering the Mobile Device
1 Purpose
True mobility is defined by wireless connectivity. Mobile devices are packed with an array of specialized radio hardware that allows them to connect to different types of networks and peripherals without cables. This document explores the function of the key wireless technologies found in every modern mobile device, from local Wi-Fi to global GPS.
2 What You’ll Accomplish
By the end of this reading, you will be able to:
- Differentiate between the primary wireless networking technologies: Wi-Fi (WLAN), Bluetooth (WPAN), and Cellular (WWAN).
- Describe the function of specialized radios like NFC and GPS.
- Explain how location services use a hybrid approach (GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower triangulation) to determine a device’s position.
This reading maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:
- Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
- 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: This document covers the various wireless radios that are fundamental components of mobile devices.
This exercise develops the following skills, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.
| Learning Objective | O*NET KSAs | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
| Differentiate between WLAN, WPAN, and WWAN. | Knowledge: Telecommunications, Computers & Electronics Abilities: Category Flexibility |
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular |
| Describe the function of NFC and GPS. | Knowledge: Telecommunications Skills: Reading Comprehension |
NFC, GPS |
| Explain how hybrid location services work. | Knowledge: Telecommunications Abilities: None |
Wi-Fi Triangulation |
3 The Wireless Spectrum
Each wireless technology operates in a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum and is designed for a specific purpose, balancing range, speed, and power consumption.
- Wi-Fi (WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network): This is the primary technology for connecting to a local network, like your home or office router. It offers high speeds over a medium range (e.g., within a building). The hardware is a dedicated Wi-Fi chipset and antennas, which are often routed into the screen assembly of a laptop for better reception.
- Bluetooth (WPAN - Wireless Personal Area Network): Bluetooth is designed for short-range, low-power communication between a device and its peripherals. It’s the technology that connects your wireless headphones, keyboard, mouse, and smartwatch. It has a much shorter range and lower speed than Wi-Fi, but also consumes significantly less power.
- Cellular (WWAN - Wireless Wide Area Network): This allows your device to connect to the mobile network provided by carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The hardware consists of a cellular modem and sophisticated antennas that can operate on numerous frequency bands. This technology provides internet access over a very wide area (miles), with modern LTE and 5G standards offering high speeds.
- NFC (Near Field Communication): NFC is an extremely short-range technology, designed for communication within a few centimeters. Its primary use is for contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), where you tap your phone on a payment terminal. It is also used for quickly pairing some Bluetooth devices or reading special NFC tags.
- GPS (Global Positioning System): The GPS receiver in a mobile device listens for signals from a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth. By receiving signals from multiple satellites, the device can triangulate its precise geographic location anywhere on the planet.
4 Location Services: More Than Just GPS
While GPS provides the most accurate location data, it requires a clear view of the sky and can be slow to get an initial fix. To improve speed and provide location services indoors, mobile operating systems use a hybrid approach:
- Wi-Fi Triangulation: Even if you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network, your phone can see a list of all nearby Wi-Fi access points. Google and Apple maintain massive databases that map the physical location of these access points. By seeing which networks are nearby, your device can make a very good estimate of its location, even indoors.
- Cell Tower Triangulation: Similar to Wi-Fi, your device can estimate its location based on its proximity to nearby cellular towers.
This is why disabling Wi-Fi on your phone can sometimes reduce the accuracy of your location, even if you are using cellular data for internet. The Wi-Fi hardware is still being used for location scanning.
5 Reflect and Review
Now that you have reviewed this document, take a moment to reflect on your learning in your Microsoft Teams Student Notebook:
- 3 types of wireless hardware found in a typical smartphone.
- 2 methods your phone uses for location services besides GPS.
- 1 question you still have about how NFC works.
Answer these questions in your notebook to solidify your understanding:
- You want to connect wireless headphones to your laptop. What type of wireless technology would you use?
- What is the main difference in purpose between Wi-Fi (WLAN) and Cellular (WWAN)?
- You are indoors and your phone cannot get a signal from GPS satellites. How can it still determine your approximate location?
- What is a common application for Near Field Communication (NFC)?
- Why are Wi-Fi antennas in a laptop often placed in the screen assembly?