The Rise of Satellite Broadband and Starlink

 

In today's digital age, reliable and high-speed internet connectivity has become an essential part of our lives. However, many rural and remote areas still struggle with limited access to broadband services. The emergence of satellite broadband, particularly with the advent of Starlink, is set to revolutionize the way we connect to the internet. This article explores the significance of satellite broadband and the game-changing impact of Starlink.

1. Understanding Satellite Broadband:

Satellite broadband is a type of internet connection that utilizes satellites orbiting the Earth to transmit and receive data. Unlike traditional terrestrial connections, satellite broadband offers global coverage, making it an ideal solution for areas where laying physical infrastructure is challenging or economically unviable. 2. The Promise of Starlink:

Starlink, a satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX, aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband connectivity to users worldwide. With thousands of small satellites deployed in low Earth orbit, Starlink promises to bridge the digital divide by offering fast and reliable internet access to even the most remote corners of the globe. 3. Advantages of Satellite Broadband:

a) Global Coverage: Satellite broadband eliminates geographical limitations, ensuring connectivity in areas where traditional broadband infrastructure is lacking. b) Rapid Deployment: Unlike terrestrial networks, which require extensive infrastructure development, satellite broadband can be deployed relatively quickly, enabling faster access to internet services. c) Flexibility: Satellite broadband allows users to access the internet from various devices, including smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices, providing seamless connectivity across different platforms. 4. Challenges and Solutions:

a) Latency: Traditional satellite internet services have been plagued by high latency due to the long distance data must travel to reach the satellite and back. However, Starlink's low Earth orbit satellites aim to significantly reduce latency, offering a more responsive internet experience. b) Cost: Historically, satellite broadband has been expensive, making it inaccessible for many users. Starlink aims to address this issue by leveraging economies of scale and reducing the cost of satellite production and deployment. 5. Impact on Various Sectors:

a) Education: Satellite broadband, particularly Starlink, has the potential to revolutionize education in remote areas by providing students and educators with access to online resources, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms. b) Healthcare: Satellite broadband can enhance telemedicine services, enabling remote patient monitoring, teleconsultations, and access to medical information in underserved regions. c) Business and Commerce: Reliable internet connectivity is crucial for businesses to thrive. Satellite broadband can empower entrepreneurs in remote areas, enabling e-commerce, online transactions, and digital communication with customers and suppliers. d)Even in military communication,as seen in the war in Ukraine,where it has been used by both Ukraine and Russia.

Satellite broadband, with Starlink at the forefront, is poised to transform the way we connect to the internet. By overcoming geographical barriers and providing global coverage, satellite broadband offers a lifeline to those in underserved areas. As Starlink continues to expand its network and improve technology, the dream of universal, high-speed internet access is becoming a reality, ushering in a new era of connectivity for all.

Mobile phones

 

Mobile Phones: How Telecom Revolutionized Connectivity

In today's modern world, staying connected has become more important than ever. With the advent of technology, our lives have become intertwined in an intricate web of communication. At the heart of this web is the telecom industry, which has revolutionized connectivity with the invention of mobile phones. These devices have become an indispensable part of our lives, offering convenience, efficiency, and endless possibilities.

Gone are the days when a landline phone was the sole means of communication. Thanks to telecom, mobile phones have become ubiquitous, empowering individuals to connect with the world anytime, anywhere. Whether it's making calls, sending text messages, browsing the internet, or accessing social media, the capabilities of mobile phones seem limitless. 

With a mobile phone in hand, we are no longer confined by location or time constraints. We can reach out to loved ones, conduct business transactions, and access information on the go. The advent of smartphones has further enhanced our experience, offering a multitude of features such as cameras, GPS navigation, and personal assistants. These devices have truly become an extension of ourselves, enabling us to accomplish tasks that previously required multiple devices or manual effort.

Moreover, telecom has not only transformed personal communication but has also revolutionized industries across the globe. From healthcare to transportation, banking to entertainment, mobile phones have become indispensable tools for businesses to thrive. With apps tailored to specific needs, entrepreneurs and organizations can leverage the power of mobile phones to streamline operations, connect with customers, and extend their reach to global markets. Telecom has leveled the playing field, giving small businesses and startups the opportunity to compete on a global scale.

The impact of telecom on society cannot be overstated. It has bridged gaps, connected cultures, and broken down barriers. Mobile phones have played a significant role in fostering social connections, empowering individuals to build communities, and driving social change. In times of crisis, mobile phones have proven to be lifelines, enabling communication and coordination in disaster-stricken areas. Whether it's organizing relief efforts or spreading awareness, mobile phones have become powerful tools for mobilizing communities and creating positive impacts.

While the benefits of telecom and mobile phones are undeniable, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come along with this revolution. The digital divide, privacy issues, and over-reliance on technology are some of the key challenges we face as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. As we continue to embrace the advantages that telecom brings, it's crucial to ensure equitable access, privacy protection, and responsible use of these powerful devices.

In conclusion, telecom and mobile phones have changed the way we connect and communicate with the world. These devices have become indispensable companions that empower individuals, transform businesses, and foster social connections. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, it's imperative to harness the power of telecom responsibly and capitalize on its potential for positive change. Mobile phones have changed our lives, and their impact will only continue to grow as we step into the future.

Mobile Phones

Communication is vital for effective transfer of information or idea. The effectiveness of communication depends on the means adopted to communicate. The choice is unlimited for a person today. The earlier known signs of communication were speech, sign language (including finger spelling into the palm of the deaf/blind), writing, Braille, body movements, and facial expression. This kind of communication was practiced among small groups. Communication on larger scale involves various forms. Technology has added impetus to the process. It has made the task of communication all the more easier.

1. Email - This is used to transferring files before a face-to-face meeting or updating on developments during the day. It is also a formal mode of communication. One can also use it as a means of non-urgent communication.

2. SMS - Short message service or SMS, is similar to email. It is difficult to ignore an SMS. It helps a person communicate by texting. It is non-intrusive too.

3. Phone call - It is used to speak or communicate with a person urgent. The best thing one can use it to call anyone from any place which resolves issues regarding urgency.

With the advent of mobile phones, the world has indeed been brought much closer. Initially, very few could afford it. The constant demand led to a massive production coupled with advancement in technology. It is no more confined to a class or section of people. Today, we can find people from the lowest strata using it; be it a cobbler or a day worker.

Mobile phones are available with additional features such as Bluetooth, email, camera, music, etc. It is no more confined to make a call or send text messages. It is meant for multiple purpose usage. They are available in various hues and colours too. The latest features are All in One Instant Messaging and Download All in One Instant Messengers. Many users have expressed their satisfaction about the services.

Instant messaging allows a user stay in touch round the clock with many people. A user can log in to accounts on multiple chat networks simultaneously. A user can consolidate Gchat, AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, ICQ, and social network profiles in a single application. This enables a user chat with friends on MSN, talk to a friend on Google Talk, while sitting in a Yahoo chat room all at the same time. It is a marvel of technology indeed. It saves one from the hassle of downloading various applications and cut short the time being spent on each application. Technology has indeed undergone a sea change and made mobile phones a handy tool much on the lines of a PC.

Working Principle of Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth was the brainchild of the SIG (Special Interest Group). This SIG included Intel, Toshiba, Nokia, IBM, Compaq, Dell, Motorola, HP, Lucent, and Samsung to name a few. They all came together to set up a short frequency wireless technology for transferring data.

Bluetooth is a communication protocol. It is a like a language that devices use to wirelessly communicate between each other. It is in fact based on a Master/Slave operation format. Pico net is a term used to describe a network formed by one device and all other devices detected in its range. In single coverage are around 10 Pico nets can co-exist. A master can connect to more than one slave simultaneously. In reality, the master keeps switching between slaves. Bluetooth links two Pico nets to form a larger network. This works over a short range and can be used to establish connections between PDAs, mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, printers, scanner, and many other electronic gadgets.

Establishing a connection using Bluetooth is a complicated process. Initially, the device stays in a "Passive state", i.e. it is just in contact with the network, but not performing any activity. Next the connection establishment process begins with the inquiry process. "Inquiry" is a request sent by the master to all the devices found in its range. Whichever devices receive this inquiry send a response with their respective addresses. Now the master chooses one address and synchronises with its access point. This process known as the "Paging technique" involves alignment of its clock and frequency with that of the access point.

Next in line is the "Service Discovery" phase, wherein a link is established and the master device enters the access point using the Service Discovery Protocol. As a result of linking, a "Communication Channel" is to be created. Sometimes the access point may include a security mechanism and you may need to know the encryption key or in common terms the PIN. Once the PIN is sent and received and confirmed a communication is established. Finally the master and slave can use the communication channel to transfer data and information.

Thus Bluetooth is neither a broadband nor a long distance networking technique. It is a Personal Area Networking technology that can be used in a number of important applications. First of all, Bluetooth technology uses the same frequency range as the Wi-Fi system. It only requires a careful coordination of the various frequencies with the perfect transmit and receive timings between various devices. Finally, the enhanced version of Bluetooth is expected to use Ultra-Wide Band frequencies that contributes increased data rate and improved signal strength.

Enjoy the Offers and Schemes With Latest Mobile Phone Deals

Possessing modern gadgets has almost become a need for all of us. People want a medium, by which they can contact with their near-dear ones anywhere without any hassles. But a very common aspect, that should be kept in mind while buying innovative handsets is that one should go for the gadgets that provide worldwide connectivity. In this context, the latest devices that come latest mobile phone deals are good option to meet the network requirements.

Among the latest deals, the contract phones have become quite popular among a large number of people. One of the astonishing aspects is that they are quite economical and cost effective. The call and messaging charges on such handsets are comparatively low as compared to the other handsets. People do not have to pay a monthly line rental. You have to sign a fixed contract of 12 to 18 months. After signing a monthly rental as per your need, you will get the connection for the time period for which the agreement has been made between you and your service provider. Hence, with contract gadgets, there is no tension of talk time and connectivity. Such widgets are meant to give the users an unlimited talk time to provide them with an uninterrupted communication with others. So, contract devices with latest mobile phone deals are highly beneficial to people.

Once you avail contract deal, there is no need to pay any money till the specified time period is over. Under this plan, the users get some free calls, messages and so on. Whereas, the rates of such a plan would depend on your network service provider that you have chosen. Such a deal or plan also permits you to make unlimited calls by paying their fixed charges. A large number of other schemes also come associated with various kind of such contract plans. Some of the common schemes include free gifts like laptops, iPods, free handsets and many more. You can also enjoy with free talk time, free or low call rates, free text messages and many other. Furthermore, there are so many websites that are made available for the users, which give every detail about the latest Mobile Phones deals that are offered by numerous brands. These websites elegantly provide the facility of comparing all the offers and cheap plans of different manufacturers quite easily.

It is not needed to walk all around the mobile phone shops in the market. Rather, you can just browse the Internet that would guide you through all the offers and schemes in a few minutes. The individuals can also take the information from several offline mobile phone retailers which offer contract mobile phones on cheap rates which you can select as per your interest.

Nokia N96, Samsung Tocco Ultra, LG KS360 Blue are some of the contract mobile phones that have been integrated with advanced features and perceptible performance. These handsets have been provided with latest features like Bluetooth, WAP browsers, FM radio, strong battery etc. You can easily browse the websites on these most stylish and and sleek devices. All these above mentioned gadgets are available with latest mobile phone deals which would surely match all your requirements. Hence, do not do not lag behind to own such wonderful widgets with lucrative offers and deals.

Cell Phone Radiation Exposure

What is really the truth regarding the cell phone radiation exposure? What do we not know that is hurting us?

I really did not plan on doing research on cell phone radiation exposure, it kind of happened. I was researching information when I came across a recent article in the New York Times. The article made me think. The article made me hungry for more information. I kept diving deeper into the truth. The information I found made me think about my family, my friends, my friend's children, my neighbors....

I pictured the parking lot that I occasionally drive by. It is at the high school at dismissal time, full of teenagers. One by one I could see them with their cell phone up to their ears. I thought of the shopping mall and the number of teenagers with their cell phone up to their ears or seen feverishly texting one right after another. What was the cell phone radiation exposure doing to them?

The thought frightened me some but not as much as the thought of the number of younger children using cell phones now or worse yet playing with the old phones that their parents stopped service on. I hate to admit I had even allowed my children to play with a cell phone once upon a time.......

All I kept thinking about was these innocent children, teenagers, families that one day might be looking at a life threatening diagnosis or problems with their health. As a registered nurse I could envision the treatments, medications, and how life can change in a moment with one test results.

I came across an article that was in the New York Times dated June 3, 2008 written by Tara Parker-Popo. It was titled" Experts Revive Debate Over Cellphones and Cancer What do brain surgeons know about cellphone safety that the rest of us don't?" The article was lengthy. I would recommend reading it. I have included part of the article Last week, three prominent neurosurgeons told the CNN interviewer Larry King that they did not hold cellphones next to their ears. "I think the safe practice," said Dr. Keith Black, a surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, "is to use an earpiece so you keep the microwave antenna away from your brain."

Dr. Vini Khurana, an associate professor of neurosurgery at the Australian National University who is an outspoken critic of cellphones, said: "I use it on the speaker-phone mode. I do not hold it to my ear." And CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon at Emory University Hospital, said that like Dr. Black he used an earpiece.

"Some of the research suggests a link between cellphone use and three types of tumors: glioma; cancer of the parotid, a salivary gland near the ear; and acoustic neuroma, a tumor that essentially occurs where the ear meets the brain. All these cancers are rare, so even if cellphone use does increase risk, the risk is still very low.

Last year, The American Journal of Epidemiology published data from Israel finding a 58 percent higher risk of parotid gland tumors among heavy cellphone users. Also last year, a Swedish analysis of 16 studies in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine showed a doubling of risk for acoustic neuroma and glioma after 10 years of heavy cellphone use.

Along with Senator Edward M Kennedy's recent diagnosis of a glioma, a type of tumor that critics have long associated with cellphone use, the doctors' remarks have helped reignite a long-simmering debate about cellphones and cancer."

Later in the article the writer, Tara Parker-Pope quotes concern physicians have regarding children and the long term use especially since the skull is thinner than the adult along with the development and growth of the brain.

After I read this article it affirmed my concerns about cell phone radiation exposure. I wonder what will happen in another 10 years to our children. With all the research out there now why are we not proactive about the cell phone radiation exposure? Perhaps it is the nurse thinking wanting to be proactive and intervene before it becomes too late. It is not surprising though that the population as a whole does not do everything to prevent the worse case scenario. The medical community would like to be more proactive to help achieve a better health but sometimes it is a struggle.

I began my research of any products out there that could help to absorb the radiation and change the future of our children. Too bad the cell phone companies did not catch on.

Mobile Computing

Since the present technology is wholly based on wireless and mobile devices and networks, we have to make a study on the topic 'Mobile computing'. This assignment is all about the applications, challenges of 'Mobile Computing'. We are going to discuss the importance of 'mobile computing' in telecommunication technology and other fields. We are going to study the pros and cons of mobile computing field by analyzing its significance in industry and anticipating its future. We are going to examine the application of Mobile Computing in all fields like telecommunication, emergencies etc...

The assignment would give an idea about the requirements arising out of technology. It would also give a perspective on other technologies which complement this technology and about the devices which this technology. We would also discuss about the challenges mobile computing faces now as a technology and also the challenges it is going to face in near future. Elements which affect portability, major phenomenon of mobile computing are also discussed. We would talk about the strengths and development of corporate over this technology. This assignment would also look at the scope of this technology in India and abroad in technical point of view. We would also discuss about the developed protocols like Wireless Session Protocol (WSP), Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP), Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP) and mark-up languages like Hand-held Device Mark-up Language (HDML) and Wireless Markup Language (WML) and also about the browsers which is best complement the usage of this technology. The assignment also recommends for designing and developing suitable browsers and protocols, liberalizing licensing restrictions, making devices more user-friendly, strengthening infrastructure for high signals and improving databases for GPS technology. The assignment concludes that Mobile Computing as a technology which would transform the economic and technological system of the nation.

INTRODUCTION:

Mobile computing refers to the technology which enables transmission of data (computing) through portable devices i.e. laptops, cellular phones etc... It can be well described by the phase 'Anyplace, Anytime'. It can be used in corporations, emergencies, cellular phones, transportation, banking etc... Real estate agents can be more productive, by obtaining and gathering place and client information through mobile computing technology on web platform. People can utilize the' golden hours' efficiently in case of accident and other emergencies with the help of CDPD system. It helps marketing people to work easier since with the help of this technology they don't find it compulsory to market their products knocking the doors. Hotels can make of can easily get to know about the damaged items on a floor and they can supervise the activities of their house-keeping staff at the same time. National defense agencies can make a surveillance of what is going around in all nook and corner of the country. With the help of this system information regarding accident type, address can be obtained with much ease. Companies can hold group meetings through videoconferencing and they can access their latest market share information through mobile computing. Companies like Cisco use this technology to supervise and coordinate operations of various departments, without any authoritarian direct supervision. There is another side of this coin too.

Mobile computing has to face a number of challenges in order to deliver its service to it users effectively. Since mobile technology has to overcome distance and spaces, transmission interfaces should support the technology to function properly. Since use of grid is not possible the total power can be derived from batteries. This might be a costlier deal for us in near future. The potential health hazards out of emission frequencies of cellular transmissions, is not discovered yet. Another major concern is the security issues, which is hampered by antisocial, cracking activities. The micro features of mobile computing technology make user so uncomfortable to use it. Using micro keyboards and small screens are so hard-hitting to be brought in day to day applications. The prolonged waiting time due to large accessories and process.

Some of the requirements arising out of this technology:

i) Examining availabilities of networks and selecting them.
ii) Comparing quality and cost parameters.
iii) Copying data on your device.
iv) Encrypting and authenticating.
v) Figuring out resources in external environment.
vi) Accounting the usage cost.
vii) Coping with trends.

The technology encompasses a number of handheld devices for e.g.: laptops, PDA's etc...

Laptops: It's similar to desktop but mainly used for mobile use.
PDA's: It is a hand-held device used for multipurpose such as computing, telephone, internet and networking. Cellular phones: these are the electronic instruments which enable personnel to perform voice and data communication.

Technologies that constitute to mobile computing:
1) Bluetooth: This technology enable users to communicate wirelessly with their digital device through radio frequency waves.
2) Global Positioning System (GPS): It is a technology, which provides three dimensional positing specially, developed for navigation and surveying purposes.
3) General Pocket Radio System (GPRS): This technology allows transmission of information across a cellular network.
4) Wireless Application Protocol (WAP): It enables the access of internet through handheld deices such as mobile phones, PDA etc...
5) Kilobyte Virtual Machine (KVM): It is a light version of JVK which enables the access of single application to be used by different platforms wireless.
6) WLAN: Connecting mobile devices to allow the transmission of data and information within the formed network.
7) Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR): it is a two-way radio system which helps in combining more than one receiver with one repeater.
8) Infrared: communicating very a short range through mobile devices with the help of waves of wavelength in the range of 700nm-1mm.

Elements which affect portability:

1) Operating temperature range: Temperature swings of -20F to 140F range while travelling affects the effectiveness of this technology. To overcome this barrier, fan coolers and heaters are designed to bring the temperature range to 95F-100F.
2) Vibration: Vibrations made by vehicles reduce the life span of computer components especially hard drives.
3) Intensity of light: High intensity of sunlight makes readability too tough.
4) Temperature affects battery power: Lithium batteries perform ineffective to given charging at high temperature. It limits its performance to less than 85%.
5) Touch screens: while working with gloves you can access the system by using the screen.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The strengths of this technology in near future are going to be the progression in artificial intelligence, compact IC's and high processor speeds. Using 'Artificial Intelligence' for secretarial jobs would be more productive in this 'information age'. Working lifestyle will vary a lot and a flat hierarchical workplace can be built. The future of this technology lies in the hands of the developers, their ability to meet customer needs are most significant. Blue-chip giants like Microsoft and Intel are showing constant innovation to meet their customer's needs. Development of more compatible protocols like Wireless Session Protocol (WSP), Wireless Transaction Protocol (WTP), Wireless Datagram Protocol (WDP) for WAP applications and markup languages like Hand-held Device Mark-up Language (HDML) and Wireless Markup Language (WML) assures high feasibility of its emergence. Now mobiles come with embedded UP. Browser designed minibrowsers to facilitate one to access this technology.

Development of Wimax resulting in obtaining of increased speed of connection and high ease of usage assures the technology's uphill. The upcoming facilities such as the 'Interactive Television' and the 'Video Image Compression' which this technology is going to offer, means pushing mobility to homes, for e.g. home shopping international players have started entering the market, which implies more competition between players and high growth of this technology in India. Development of processors with unmitigated mobility and high capability by Intel assures the bright future of mobile computing. Intel comes up with wimax technology, which operates beyond the limitation of Wi-Fi technology and energy efficient mobile devices which promises a good scope for this technology. Though much challenges 'Mobile Computing', has to face in near future with innovation as strength the technology can come up successfully. The upcoming 4g technology marks the beginning of the rising sun. In future we can see Smartphone and iphones flooding the markets.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1) Much suitable internet protocols, browsers and mark-up languages should be developed to enhance applicability of mobile computing. In future all cellular phones and mobile devices should be embedded with browsers which supports wireless technology and much compatible protocols and mark up languages must be developed.
2) The infrastructure should be strengthened enough to provide high bandwidth signals thus enabling high mobility. High power servers should be built.
3) The devices could be made more easily used by people. For e.g. standard keyboard for mobile phones, screens with more visibility etc...
4) Licensing for access of technologies related to mobile computing should be made liberal to enable corporate to derive maximum benefits. International players should be allowed freely into the markets
5) Databases should be developed and maximum benefits of GSM technology should be attained.

CONCLUSIONS:

Mobile computing is a significant, sprouting technology. It helps mobile personnel to communicate and interact quicker and easier with the help of a fixed information system and it helps to overcome constraints of geographic location. Mobile computing uses the hardware, software, and technology for interaction and to carry out its other operations. Mobile computing is a flexible and strategic technology that enhances the quality of information provided, accessibility to data, increased operational efficiency, and helps to achieve management effectiveness in an organization.

This technology would be the trend setter for the technological world in future. Although it has to face challenges of low bandwidth, problems with security, poor infrastructure and also some of the inherited problems like small display screen, low durability of batteries etc... By the result of strength and weakness analysis we can conclude that mobile technology is going to transform the whole of our economic and technological system.