Module 8: Mobile Devices

Hardware, Connectivity, and Power

An exploration of the unique hardware, wireless technologies, and power systems that define modern mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
Author

Chuck Nelson

Published

November 16, 2025

1 Purpose

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of mobile devices. Unlike the modular desktops covered in previous topics, mobile devices are highly integrated systems that present unique hardware and troubleshooting challenges. We will explore the internal anatomy of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, their specialized ports and peripherals, the array of wireless radios that keep them connected, and the critical power systems that make them portable. The focus will be on practical, software-based exploration and diagnosis using your Fedora virtual machine.

2 What You’ll Learn

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

  • Differentiate between the integrated architecture of mobile devices and the modularity of desktops.
  • Identify the function of specialized mobile components like SoCs, SODIMMs, and digitizers.
  • Describe the roles of various wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS.
  • Recognize common battery failure modes and explain OS-level power management techniques.
  • Apply a systematic troubleshooting methodology to common mobile device issues.

This module maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:

  • Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
    • 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: This module is focused on identifying the unique internal components, ports, and wireless radios that make up modern mobile devices.
    • 3. Troubleshoot hardware and basic network components: This module provides a framework and practical labs for diagnosing common mobile device issues related to power, connectivity, and performance.

This module will help you develop the following skills and knowledge, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.

Learning Objective O*NET KSAs Technologies Used
Identify specialized mobile hardware. Knowledge: Computers & Electronics
Abilities: Information Ordering, Category Flexibility		 SoC, SODIMM, Li-Po
Differentiate wireless communication standards. Knowledge: Telecommunications
Abilities: None		 Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS
Troubleshoot common mobile device issues. Knowledge: Computers & Electronics
Skills: Troubleshooting, Systems Analysis		 upower, nmcli, bluetoothctl

3 Module Content

This module is divided into the following sections, which cover the hardware, software, and troubleshooting techniques specific to mobile devices:

  1. Anatomy of a Mobile Device: An exploration of the specialized internal components, integrated architecture, and various form factors of mobile devices.

  2. Ports and Peripherals: A guide to the external ports, peripherals, and expansion options for mobile devices, including docking stations and charging standards.

  3. Wireless and Location Hardware: An overview of the various wireless radios in a mobile device, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, NFC, and GPS.

  4. Mobile Power: Batteries and Power Management: A guide to mobile device batteries, focusing on their physical forms, common failure modes, and OS power management techniques.

  5. Troubleshooting and Security Hardware: Applying the A+ troubleshooting methodology to common mobile device issues and identifying physical and biometric security hardware.

4 Hands-On Activities

This module includes several hands-on and conceptual exercises to be completed in your Fedora VM, allowing you to practice with the command-line tools used to manage mobile hardware.

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