subject: Modern Communication Phone Networks, Mobile Networks, And The Internet [print this page] It seems that in the 21st century there three main routes for communication technology, there is the landline traditional phone network, the cellular network, and the Internet. Each of these options for communication comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and therefore they each have their own strengths as a service for home communication.
First introduced in 1876 by Alexander Graham Bell, the traditional landline still uses more or less the same technology now as it did then. The hook, or switch, connects the user to the phone network when the phone is lifted off of the receiver and the microphone transmits the analogue signal via a pair of copper wires to the receiving end where the sound is converted and amplified. One small difference between the original telephone technology and what we have today is the fact that modern house phones now convert the signal into a digital one; this means they can then be transported down fibre optic cables that stretch worldwide. Landlines still remain a popular choice for many households around the world; they offer a cheap, reliable, and secure service. Unlike other communication technology the traditional landline doesnt need electricity to operate so it can be useful in the event of a power cut.
Almost a century later mobile phones hit the market in the 1970s, these operate on a cellular network similar to that used by walkie-talkies and cordless telephones, however a mobile phone allows you to make calls wherever you are able to get signal from the network provider. When mobiles first came about they were not as mobile as you might expect, and these bulky pieces of kit only received poor coverage. However, now many providers have teamed up and can now offer great signal from most locations around the UK. Making calls from a mobile generally tends to be more expensive that using a landline, though there some other advantages, like the mobility, and the ability to send messages.
Now we are seeing the Internet take its toll on our communication preferences, from social networking sites to emails. Because broadband speed has been continually growing we are now able to make phone calls as well as exchanges online videos. This is an extremely economical choice as aside from the cost of the broadband itself there are no extra charges, even if youre talking to someone on the other side of the world. And for those of you that dont want to have to log into your computer every time that you want to make a call there are VoIP lines which function the same as a traditional telephone only using the Internet. The only downside really is that youre dependant on your Internet connection, which may not be reliable or secure.
