Mobile Technology and Terminology
Mobile Technology
Signal Strength and Coverage
Your mobile phone is constantly communicating with One’s cell sites across the island via the SIM card. As you travel, the signal is passed from one cell site to another in what we call a smooth hand-off. One aims to provide the best island-wide coverage with 48 cell sites positioned to provide 99% island coverage.
What impacts signal strength?
- Damaged antennae in your mobile device
The antennae are built into the back of the phone so if your phone is damaged (dropped, struck, etc.) there’s a risk that
the antennae could be damaged. - Proximity to coverage area
Signal strength can be poor in locations that fall outside of the coverage area or are blocked by natural landscape - Building construction
Cement and steel can compromise signal strength. - Your location in the building/home:
If you’re in the basement, chances are, you’ll experience poor signal strength. This is normal.
Mobile Terminology
3G (3rd Generation)
As mobile technology advances, so do the networks and devices. 3G networks delivered faster data transfer speeds compared to the previous 2G networks and introduced the ability for video calls.
4G (4th Generation)
Successor to 3G with even faster data transfer rates. One was the first to launch a 4G LTE network and devices in Bermuda in May of 2016.
APN (Access Point Network)
Setting in your device that acts as a gateway to access internet. Each provider has their own APN. Your APN should be web.c1.bm.
iOS
Apple operating system for iPhone and iPad
Airplane Mode/Flight Mode
When turned ON, it disables connectivity to the network as well as Bluetooth and GPS. WiFi can be manually turned on in this mode.
Android
Operating system for non-apple devices (Samsung, LG, Nokia, etc.)
Browser
Software used to access the Internet such as Google, Yahoo, etc.
Bluetooth
Wireless software used to transfer data/files over short ranges between devices. Operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency/channel.
Cache
A memory storage area that stores copies of information that is likely to be needed in the future so it can be accessed faster. E.g. If you visit a website again, the site won’t need to download all over again before viewing. A periodic clearing of caches can improve mobile device performance.
Data
Information sent and received over a mobile/wireless network. E.g. Apps, browsing internet, etc.
Download
The process of copying data from another computer or network. E.g. Opening a page on the internet, downloading a pdf document, etc.
Feature Phone
Delivers basic calling and text features along with basic camera functionality. E.g. flip phones
Firmware
Software stored on the device that provides instruction on how the device should operate.
Hotspot
A location that enables users to connect to the internet wirelessly.
HD (High Definition)
Technology that provides advanced detail and quality of picture/video. Most commonly, HD refers to 720p x 1080p video content.
IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
A system that allows for the retrieval of email from a server.
KB, MB, GB (Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes)
Measurements of data. KB (smallest to GB (largest). To translate a smaller measurement to a larger measurement, divide by 1024. To translate a larger measurement to a smaller measurement multiply by 1024.
LTE (Long Term Evolution)
Advanced mobile network that allows for faster speeds and increased capacity. One launched their 4G LTE network in May of 2016.
POP (Post Office Protocol)
A system that allows for the receipt of email.
Porting aka LNP (Line number portability)
Moving your mobile number to another provider.
Roaming
Using your phone on an overseas network
SD (Standard Definition)
Predecessor of HD (High Definition) standard of detail and quality. Most commonly, SD refers to 720p X 480p.
SD Card (Secure Digital)
Memory card used to store files outside of the phone’s internal memory. comes in 3 physical sizes, SD, MiniSD, MicroSD. A desktop or laptop computer can read the SD card as long as the computer has a compatible card reader.
Smartphone
Mobile phone that delivers advanced features including data like a computer. E.g. iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, LG, etc.
SMS (Short Message Service)
Aka text messaging.
SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
System for the sending of email messages via a specific pathway or port.
SSID (Service Set Identifier)
Name of a specific WiFi network.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A plug and play interface that allows a computer to connect to other devices.
Upload
The process of sending a file to another computer or network. E.g. Posting photos to social media
VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)
Allows voice calling to be communicated and received over a data network. E.g. WhatsApp voice calls, Skype