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The first mobile phone was put into operation 50 years ago. It is now our default device for communicating with other people. What’s the deal with the technology? How does cellular work? SRF Kids explains.
It now occupies a very important place in everyday life: the mobile phone. What was a very rough, very heavy block in its early days (see article) is now much more than just a device for making phone calls.
Legend:
This is what the first cell phones looked like. This specimen weighs 13 kg.
SRF
Many children take it for granted that they can call someone at the push of a button. But what is behind the technology of cell phones?
How does the mobile network work?
When we send messages or make phone calls, our mobile phone sends a signal to the so-called mobile phone antenna. This is an antenna that stands on the ground and receives and forwards the incoming messages or calls. Each antenna has its own area from which it can detect signals. This area is called a radio cell. And these radio cells together make up the mobile network.
Where is the mobile network strongest?
Fewer people live in rural areas, so there are fewer antennas. Cities have more antennas covering a smaller area. Because more people live in the city and correspondingly more data is sent. Means: The antenna has to do more. There are also places where there is no reception. There is a so-called radio hole. This happens when the nearest antenna is too far away. Or the connection is blocked, for example in tunnels.
What is 4G or 5G?
In order to reduce dead spots, the mobile network is constantly being expanded. Whenever the mobile network is expanded again, one speaks of a new generation. At the moment we are in Generation 4, i.e. 4G. However, there is already 5G in Switzerland, i.e. the fifth generation. This can send and receive data even faster. Thanks to the power of 5G, cars can also be connected to each other via mobile communications, for example.
What’s the problem with 5G?
In order for 5G to be available everywhere, however, many antennas still have to be built. However, some people are opposed to this expansion. They fear that their health will suffer as a result of the intensive data traffic from the many antennas. The intense radiation is bad for your health. Scientists are currently investigating whether this is true. So we don’t know yet whether 5G is harmful to health or not.
The world is not always easy to understand, even for adults. The “SRF Kids News” supports you in talking to children about current topics.
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