Mobile Technologies – Definition, Types, Uses, Advantages

Mobile technology is a type of technology in which a user utilizes a mobile phone to perform
communications-related tasks, such as communicating with friends, relatives, and others. It is
used to send data from one system to another. Portable two-way communications systems,
computing devices, and accompanying networking equipment make up mobile technology.
Mobile technology is largely employed in cellular communication systems and other related
areas. It employs a network architecture that allows multiple transmitters to deliver data on a
single channel at the same time. Because it reduces the potential of frequency interference
from two or more sources, this platform allows multiple users to use single frequencies. The
channel has evolved over time.
This is fast expanding; its applications are getting increasingly broad over time, and it is
gradually replacing other similar sources of communication on the market, such as post
offices and landlines. Mobile technology has progressed from a simple phone and texting
device to a multi-tasking system that can be used for GPS navigation, internet browsing,
gaming, and instant messaging, among other things. With the rise, experts claim that the
future of computer technology is dependent on wireless networking and mobile computing.
Through tablets and small PCs, mobile technology is becoming increasingly popular. This
smartphone system has since been improved to a big multitasking computer that can be used
for GPS navigation, gaming, internet browsing, and instant messaging. Tablets and portable
laptops have increased the adoption of mobile technology. The mobile networks that connect
these devices are referred to as wireless systems. They allow speech, data, and (mobile) apps
to be shared between mobile devices.
Mobile technology is becoming increasingly prevalent. Smartphone users have surpassed 3
billion, and the global mobile workforce is expected to reach 1.87 billion by 2022. Any
gadget with internet capabilities that can be accessed from anywhere is referred to as mobile
technology. Smartphones, tablets, some iPods, and laptops already fall within this category,
but this list will undoubtedly grow in the future years.

Types of Mobile Technologies

Followings are the few famous mobile technologies:

 SMS
 MMS
 4G
 3G
 GSM
 CDMA
 Wi-Fi
Let discuss them one by one in detail:
1. SMS: “SMS” stands for “Short Message Service.” It is now the most widely used and
oldest text messaging service. SMS are also sent over cellular networks, therefore you’ll need
a wireless plan and a wireless carrier. SMS is fast gaining popularity in the world as a low-
cost messaging medium. Every text message delivered to a cell phone has become known as
SMS. Messages can usually be up to 140 characters long. SMS was originally developed for
GSM phones, although it is now supported by all major cellular phone networks.
Although SMS is most commonly used for text messaging between friends or coworkers, it
also has a variety of additional uses. For example, SMS subscription services can send
weather, news, sports updates, and financial quotes to consumers’ phones. Employees may
also be notified of sales requests, service stops, and other business-related information via
SMS.
Fortunately, text messages sent via SMS do not require the receiver’s phone to be turned on
in order for the message to be delivered. The message will be kept in the SMS service until
the receiver switches on his or her phone, at which point it will be transmitted to the
recipient’s phone. Most cell phone providers enable you to send a specific amount of text
messages per month for free. 
2. MMS: MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messaging is a standard method of
delivering multimedia material, including messages. MMS, as opposed to SMS, can send up
to forty seconds of video, one picture, a multi-image slideshow, or audio. MMS texting will
be supported by the majority of contemporary devices. MMS capability is typically
embedded within the text message interface and is turned on automatically when needed. If
you enter in a text-only message, for example, it will be transmitted by SMS. If you include a
graphic or video, the multimedia part will be sent via MMS. Similarly, if someone sends you
a multimedia message, your phone will automatically receive the file via MMS. 
An MMS message can convey rich media content to mobile devices at any time and from any
location. It is a powerful and effective tool that assists businesses in reinforcing and
deepening client loyalty by providing crucial information about their products and services.
Because MMS texts are packed with photographs and videos, they are a significant marketing
communication tool. As well as other audios. MMS is a cutting-edge method of
communicating with others via mobile devices. Text messages are more successful because
they deliver valuable information and services to the recipient. The more a corporation
approaches its customers, the more probable it is to form a long-term brand partnership.
3. 3G: The third letter in the designation 3G stands for third-generation access technology,
which allows mobile phones to connect to the internet. Every new technology introduces new
frequency bands and data transmission rates.
The first generation emerged in the 1980s. First-generation uses large phones that had to be
mounted on top of cars because they were too heavy to hold. Text messaging was made
possible by the second-generation network, which became available in the 1990s. This huge
and game-changing advancement also provided a more secure network and laid the path for
today’s ubiquitous 3G and 4G technology.
The development of 3G connection-based networks in 2001 marked the start of mainstream
Internet use on mobile phones. Soon after, smartphones were introduced, bringing all of the
capabilities of a device into the palm of your hand. The signals are transmitted by a network
of telephone towers, ensuring robust and relatively rapid long-distance communication. The
user’s mobile phone is receiving data from the tower nearest to it. Although it may not appear
complicated, 3G technology was revolutionary at the time it was introduced.
Upload speeds of up to 3 Mbps are possible on 3G networks. For example, about 15 seconds
for uploading a 3-minute MP3 song. The fastest 2G phones, on the other hand, may get up to
144Kbps  For example, about 8 minutes to download a 3-minute song. 3G systems are
intended for digital phones with a full-screen display and better connectivity.
4. 4G: The fourth generation of mobile networking technology is known as 4G, which comes
after the 2G and 3G networks. Although it’s commonly referred to as 4G LTE, this isn’t
exactly right because LTE is just one sort of 4G. Most mobile network service providers use
it now since it is the most developed technology.
However, as you may have heard, 5G is becoming operational alongside current 3G and 4G
mobile networks. When it initially came out, 4G revolutionized how we use the mobile
internet. Despite the fact that 3G networks were relatively limited, 4G network connectivity
allowed consumers to browse the internet and watch HD films on their mobile devices,
thereby turning smartphones into laptops.
Most tasks that you can do on a laptop or desktop computer can now be done on mobile
devices such as smartphones or tablets. No matter how much data you require, 4 G networks
allow you to keep consistent speeds practically anywhere. 4G was launched in the United
Kingdom in 2012. Currently, the number of mobile subscribers using 3G outnumbers those
using 4G. Expect this to alter in the coming years as 4G contracts become more affordable
and 4G network coverage increases across the UK.
Premium 4G offers download speeds of around 14 Mbps, which is over five times quicker
than the 3G network’s predecessor. 4G networks can currently attain speeds of up to 150
Mbps, allowing users to download gigabytes of data in minutes, if not seconds, rather than
hours as with 3G networks. Uploading data is also significantly faster with 4G – normal
upload speeds are over 8 Mbps, with theoretical rates of up to 50 Mbps, whereas 3G upload
speeds are under 0.5 Mbps. 
5. Global System for Mobile technology: The  (GSM) is an acronym for Global System for
Mobile Communication. GSM is a cellular technology that is open and digital and is used for
mobile communication. It operates on the 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz
frequency ranges. It employs a hybrid of FDMA and TDMA. 
6. Code Division Multiple Access: (CDMA) is an acronym for code division multiple
access. It is a channel access mechanism that also serves as an example of multiple access.
Multiple access simply means that data from multiple transmitters can be delivered onto a
single communication channel at the same time.
7. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows us to
connect to a network or to other computers or mobile devices across a wireless channel. Data
is delivered in a circular region over radio frequencies in Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a
generic acronym for a communication standard for a wireless network that functions as a
Local Area Network without the use of cables or other types of cabling. 

Use of Mobile technology

 The incorporation of mobile technology into business has aided telecollaboration. Now,
people could connect from anywhere using mobile technology, and access the papers and
documents they need to complete collaborative work.
 Work is being redefined by mobile technologies. Employees are no longer confined to
their desks; they can work from anywhere in the world.
 Mobile technology can help your company save time and money. Employees who work
from home save thousands on a regular basis. Mobile phones eliminate the need for costly
technology like landline carrier services. Cloud-based services are less expensive than
traditional systems. Technology can also help your company become more flexible and
productive.
 Mobile technology has the potential to boost productivity significantly. Mobile
application integration saves an average of 7.5 hours per week per employee. Workers
can also become more productive with the use of smartphones and mobile gadgets.
 The popularity of cloud-based services has skyrocketed in recent years. Cloud-based
mobile technology applications have been seen to be more useful than any smartphone,
particularly in terms of available storage space.

Advantages of Mobile technology

 Through a variety of applications, we can now stay in touch with our friends and family
members anytime we choose. We may now communicate or video visit with anybody we
want by just using our cell phone or cell phone. Aside from that, the portable keeps us
informed about the rest of the globe.
 Today’s mobile phones have made our day-to-day activities much more natural. Today,
one may check the current traffic situation on their phone and make appropriate decisions
to arrive on time. The weather is also a factor.
 With the advancement of mobile technology, the entire gaming world is now under one
roof. When we are tired of monotonous work or during breaks, we can listen to music,
view movies, watch our favorite shows, or simply watch a video of our favorite song.
 Mobile phones are being used for a variety of legitimate tasks, including meeting
schedules, sending and receiving documents, providing introductions, warnings, and job
applications, among others. Cell phones have become an indispensable tool for all
working people.
 These days, mobile phones are also used as a wallet to make payments. Utilities might be
used to send money to friends, relatives, and others right now.

Disadvantages of Mobile technology

 The modern family has become reliant on mobile phones. In any case, when we don’t
have to travel, we surf the internet, play around, and create a genuine junkie.
 Because of the widespread use of mobile technology, people nowadays don’t meet in
person but rather tweet or comment on social media sites.
 Because of the widespread use of mobile devices, there is a major risk of losing one’s
protection. By efficiently reading through your web-based social networking account,
anyone may now easily obtain data such as where you reside, your loved ones, what you
do for a living, where you live, and so on.
 Mobile phone prices have risen in tandem with their worth. People nowadays spend a
significant amount of money on cell phones, which could be better spent on more useful
things like education or other beneficial items throughout our lives.

Types of Wireless Network

There are two types of wireless network most commonly found in everyday scenarios:
 

 Local Area Network (LAN) – for example your internal office network or your
network of home devices (computers, game consoles, mobile phones and tablets
connected to the same router in one location form a local area network). In the past, a
wired connection using what is commonly called an “ethernet cable” would be
required to set-up a local area network. Although wired networks are still quite
 common for many reasons, such as better protection from interference and security
when compared to wireless, WiFi is now commonly used for local networking.
 Wide Area Network (WAN) – is a type of a network extending over a larger area,
and the Internet may be considered a WAN. In the case of the Internet, wires are used
to move the bulk of the data travelling around the network because they are generally
faster and more reliable as well as less susceptible to interference. However, with the
advent of the modern smartphone and other mobile devices such as tablets, more and
more users connect to the Internet wirelessly using cellular data. This is different from
WiFi, and still confuses many of the less tech-savvy users.
 

Types of Wireless Network used for Local Area Networks

It is hard to imagine modern life without the ubiquitous WiFi. WiFi has come a long way
since its beginnings in Australia as a radio astronomy experiment at Macquarie
University and today, close to five billion devices use WiFi for networking with the number
steadily growing. WiFi is commonly used to established local area networks where device
mobility is a factor (for laptops and smartphone users) or where cabling may be impractical.
WiFi routers found commonly in everyday settings can usually cover a small to a medium-
sized area such as an office or residential premises; the range of WiFi can be extended with
the use of repeaters. There are two radio bands commonly used for WiFi communication in
Australia. When we talk about local area wireless networks, we are typically describing a
scenario where a WiFi-enabled device like a smartphone, tablet, personal or a laptop
computer connects to a router in an office or home, to enable internet access without the need
to use network cables on-premises.
 
2.4GHz
The 2.4GHz (gigahertz) band provides a longer range of coverage, but at the expense data
transmission rates (in simple terms, it is slower). It is compatible with a wide range of WiFi-
enabled devices.
 
5GHz
The 5GHz band is faster, suffers less from interference from common household appliances
than the 2.4GHz band. Still, it does so at the cost of a smaller coverage area because wall
penetration of higher frequency radios is lower. Some older devices may not support the
5GHz frequency and will be unable to connect to 5GHz WiFi. It is important to remember
that 5GHz WiFi must not be confused with cellular 5G, which is a different type of
technology altogether. Some router manufacturers add to this confusion – by default, many
routers include “5G” in the default names of their 5GHz WiFi networks. 5GHz WiFi is a
short-range, home and office networking system, whereas “5G” means the fifth generation of
cell phone networks.
 

Types of Wireless Network in Cellular Communication

When we talk about cellular wireless communication, we are most commonly referring to a
scenario where a device like a mobile phone/smartphone or a sim card enabled tabled, or
laptop computer connects to a cellular tower to facilitate internet access on the go. Cellular
communication typically uses radio waves of specific frequency for data and voice
transmission.
 
3G
3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunication technology. Most often, it is
found in mobile phones/smartphones, and sim card enabled tablets.
 
4G
4G is a loose term for the fourth generation of cellular telecommunication technologies, up to
about ten times faster than 3G.
 
LTE
LTE stands for Long Term Evolution which has sometimes been marketed as 4G LTE, but it
is technically not 4G but rather an evolution of 3G. Still, the performance of both 4G and
LTE is comparable in most everyday scenarios where coverage is not an issue, blurring the
difference between 4G and LTE for most users.
 
5G
5G is the fifth-generation technology standard for cellular networking, providing further
bandwidth (speed) improvements over the past iterations of cellular wireless networks.
 

Types of Wireless Communication Used in Short Range Wireless Devices

Not all wireless communication technologies are used for networking or for enabling internet
access (though some of them do allow for very short-range networking and file exchanges).
 

Bluetooth
Bluetooth uses radio waves in the frequency range of 2.402 to 2.480GHz (and this must not
be confused with 2.4GHz WiFi we described earlier). Typical everyday uses of Bluetooth
include connecting wireless computer peripherals (such as mice, keyboards, speakers, game
controllers) and remote control (for example between a mobile phone and Bluetooth enabled
car or home audio systems).
 

Infrared
Infrared communication uses invisible to the naked eye infrared light rather than radio waves.
It is only used for short-range communication and requires a line of sight between the two
devices (because light does not readily penetrate solid objects such as walls, unlike radio
waves).
We hope we’ve helped to clear at least some of the confusion the naming and
application of the many wireless communication technologies used in IT applications. If
you need help with wireless connectivity in your business, would like to set up a medium
or a small business WiFi, or would like to hear more about any of our other business IT
solutions and how they can improve the quality of life and productivity in your
business, book a coffee meeting with Eric from our Brisbane MSP team today.
The radio, TV, and satellites
During the 20th century, many types of wireless technologies emerged. The radio, which
Marconi invented, and television, for example, receive broadcast communications without
using wires. Satellites are also examples of wireless technology.

According to Encyclopedia.com:

“Wireless technology provides the ability to communicate between two or more entities over

distances without the use of wires or cables of any sort. This includes communications using
radio frequency (RF) as well as infrared (IR) waves.”

Wireless technology today

Most lay people today think of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and modems (routers) if you ask
them about wireless technology.

The term has become part of our everyday vernacular. For most of us, there are currently two
main types of wireless technology:

1. Local Wi-Fi networks

Wi-fi is a technology that allows tablets, video game consoles, projectors, printers, and
smartphones to communicate with the Internet. Medical devices, laptops, and digital audio
players also use Wi-Fi.

The term ‘Wi-Fi’ emerged in the 1990s from the words ‘Wireless’ plus ‘Fi,’ which was an

arbitrary second element, after ‘Hi-Fi.’ People often mistakenly interpret the term as a short
form of ‘Wireless Fidelity.’

2. Cellular networks (mobile phone networks)

This technology allows electronic devices to communicate over long distances. One person
in, for example, Alaska, can talk to another person in Australia using their smartphones.
Cellular networks allow them to do that.

Livewire.com says the following regarding the definition of the term: “Wireless’ is a broad
term that encompasses all sorts of technologies and devices that transmit data over the air
rather than over wires, including cellular communications, networking between
computers with wireless adapters and wireless computer accessories.”

What is a cloud service?

The term "cloud services" refers to a wide range of services delivered on demand to
companies and customers over the internet. These services are designed to provide easy,
affordable access to applications and resources, without the need for internal infrastructure or
hardware. From checking email to collaborating on documents, most employees use cloud
services throughout the workday, whether they’re aware of it or not.
Cloud services are fully managed by cloud computing vendors and service providers. They’re
made available to customers from the providers' servers, so there's no need for a company to
host applications on its own on-premises servers.