ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
08.09.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


How Do Satellite Phones Work?

Author: Rex Strong Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 25-05-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 208 | Rating:  (74) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

Global connectivity has made practically every spot on the Earth accessible. Whether one is on the top of Mt. Everest or in the vast icy landscape of Antartica, civilization is just a phone call away.

Most of the world is connected to each other with fixed land telephones and cellular phones.

However, sometimes cell phones are just not enough. In times of distress and disaster management like during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita or on adventure holidays, satellite phones can save hundreds of lives and help rescue operations.

Any damage to local telephone structures can result in suspension of telephone services. However, satellite phones continue to work under such conditions. The reason that satellite phones are still working in situations where other phones don't is that satellite phones rely on satellites in space for their functioning. Satellite phones do not use local infrastructure to route the calls.

When an individual makes a call from a satellite phone the signal is sent to the satellites of that particular company. These satellites process the call and relay it back to Earth via a gateway. The gateway then routes the call to its destination using the regular landline and cellular networks. The Globalstar constellation is made up of 48 satellites and every call is relayed by up to 4 satellites down to Globalstar gateways on Earth. Clifton, Texas is home to one of the major Globalstar gateway that services the US.

If an individual uses a satellite phone to call another satellite phone then the call is sent up to the satellite from the caller's phone. The satellite then routes the call back down to the receiver's phone without using any land infrastructure. Thus, satellite phones on the same network can be used to call each other without using any landline or cellular phone infrastructures.

One important thing to keep in mind with satellite phones is that the phone or the phone's antenna must be located in the open to allow it to have an unobstructed view of the sky. Satellite phones require a clear line-of-sight view of the satellite to be able to send and receive signals from the satellite. While Iridium phones use a non-directional antenna, which means that the antenna need not point in any particular direction, Inmarsat uses geostationary satellites. In this case, the phone's antenna must point directly at the satellite with a clear, unobstructed view to get transmission.

What Are Hand Held Satellite Phones?

Hand held satellite phones provide the same convenience as cellular phone with one major difference. While cellular phones provide interrupted service if you are out of the networked area, satellite phones cover a much larger network area and provide you with a personal, portable communication device with uninterrupted service.

Hand held satellite phones are optimum for adventure travelers, rescue operations and in times of disaster management.

What Are Fixed Site Satellite Phones?

Fixed site satellite phones are like regular landlines except they use satellites instead of local infrastructure to route calls. The big advantage they have over hand held satellite phones is that they can work from inside buildings and homes. The antenna is placed on the roof or any other spot that allows the antenna to have a clear line-of-sight view of the satellite.

Thus, in a world where effective communication is the key to success, satellite phones ensure you never have to be out of touch.

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/how-do-satellite-phones-work-30653.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
Rex Strong is the owner and operator of www.satellitephonesite.com. Link to this article: satellite phones
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Best Cell Phone and Plan to Replace your Landline Phone
By: Natthanon Akarananpakorn | 10/11/2007 | Home and Family
Though landline phones provide convenience to humans when it comes to communication, it's time to step up to the challenge and come up with a new technology that will make it more accessible and more easy to use.

Seven Secrets about Buying Satellite Phones from the Low Cost Vendors
By: Lou Altman | 21/07/2008 | Cell Phones
One has to be discerning when investing in satellite phone communications. Often times paying the lowest price is not cost effective. Googling "Iridium 9505A" will yield a plethora of results from companies competing for your business based on price alone. Case after case has proven that buying the lowest priced phones does not guarantee that you actually found the lowest cost phones.

Cell Phone Buying Guide to Help You Get the Best Value For The Money
By: David Arnold Livingston | 16/11/2005 | Communication
Whether it's your first or umpteenth mobile phone you are planning to buy, knowing or being reminded of the following tips will surely better your chances of getting the perfect one.

History of Cell Phones - Would u like to know?
By: Isabel | 15/06/2006 | Technology
The history of cell phones goes back in the year 1843, a man by the name Michael Faraday studied to see if space could conduct electricity. This man in the process developed the cell phone, in the year 1865.

Why Johnny Can't Learn
By: Kat Tansey | 07/09/2006 | Non-Fiction
Learning disorders, ADHD, ADD, and Autism have become part of the landscape of childhood. Think back to the time when this was not true. What was different then?

Cell Phones-The Hottest Form of Communicating
By: Joseph Then | 10/11/2006 | Cell Phones
Cell phones have become the hottest form of communication. however it is only since the mid 80's that they have become a popular form of personal communication. Their meteoric rise to fame is due to several reasons.

How to Protect yourself From Reverse Cell Phone Lookup?
By: Nikola Govorko | 19/12/2006 | Communication
Three steps you must make to protect yourself from abuse by reverse cell phone lookup services.

The Evolution of Dating
By: Robert Bentz | 09/01/2007 | Cell Phones
Dating is no longer what your grandparents once experienced. The author takes us through the steps of modern dating from media-based voice personals to internet dating and now to cell phone dating services.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

How an 1.5V battery cellular telephone charger work ?
By: yosi300300 | 17-11-2007
How an 1.5V battery cellular telephone charger work ?most cellular telephone charg at 5V How the charger increase the volt from 1.5V to 5V  

Where can I buy/find an unlocked Nokia N810? Also, how much does the phone cost?
By: computerwhiz | 02-11-2007
Where can I buy/find an unlocked Nokia N810? Also, how much does the phone cost?

How can i download or upload mp3 ringtones to my ...
By: jessydenice | 01-11-2007
how can i download or upload mp3 ringtones to my motorola w375?

Is it possible to download songs from my computer ...
By: uncouth | 31-10-2007
Is it possible to download songs from my computer to my razor via the usb port?

How can I set different ringtones on different ...
By: tayals | 31-10-2007
how can I set different ringtones on different contact list

Can someone send me a code of k550i on how to ...
By: neji | 22-10-2007
can someone send me a code of k550i on how to block sms from a specific number or just teach me how to do it... just email me at cutezky27@yahoo.com.ph

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Communication Articles

Basic Steps of Solar Panel Installation
By: Editor-123 | 08/09/2008
Most of us are aware of solar panels and their usability to minimize the mounting electricity bills. They can be a good source of renewable electricity and provide unlimited supply for daily energy consumption needs. But, not many exactly know how to integrate solar panels at home to get the best results. In this article, we’ll discuss methods and ways of solar panel installation for home purpose.

Small Business VoIP Phone Systems
By: Alen Smith | 08/09/2008
Small business VoIP phone systems can significantly cut down the telephone expenses, compared to traditional telephone systems. The IP telephony transmits voice, audio and video over broadband internet. Small business VoIP phone system doesn’t require any equipment other than a phone and a broadband phone adapter, its features can be improved without any additional charges.

Small Business Phone Systems - Virtual Office Solutions
By: Alen Smith | 08/09/2008
Virtual office phone solution improves your communication system and makes it more efficient and competitive while reducing your cost. You can configure all the settings on your small business phone system online, and you need not install or maintain any hardware or software on your premises. With the right virtual office solution provider, you can receive a full range of quality features that serve to enhance your business image to your clients.

Professional Answering Solutions for Small Businesses
By: Alen Smith | 08/09/2008
Businesses, whether small or large, require cost-effective and completely seamless professional answering solutions to communicate effectively with existing customers and connect with new clients. One of the ideal options that can handle all your professional answering service needs is the hosted/virtual phone system, also known as the hosted PBX system. VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone systems are potent professional answering solutions for small businesses.

Sending Sms: a Smart Way of Messaging Used by Tech-savvy People
By: Nisha Garg | 06/09/2008
Sending SMS with the help of Internet has become the latest trend among the tech-savvy people. As a matter of fact, this service is backed with various benefits such as it reduces the telecommunication costs, improves productivity and lots more.

What to Do When You Don’t Like the Sound of Your Speaking Voice
By: Susan Berkely | 06/09/2008
Do you remember the first time you heard yourself on tape, on an answering machine or voice mail? You may have been shocked and thought: “Do I really sound like THAT?”

Do You Have a High "sq"? Take This Quizz and Find Out…
By: Susan Berkely | 06/09/2008
Your "SQ" is your “Speaker's Quotient.” It's a measure of your ability to communicate your ideas in an effective and memorable manner.

Experience Lg's Beauty With LG Viewty
By: Alden Jerry | 06/09/2008
The LG Viewty is a truly digital wonder for technology lovers.

More from Rex Strong

Should You Rent or Buy a Satellite Phone?
By: Rex Strong | 22/05/2006 | Cell Phones
Debates the main issues in whether or not you should buy your next satellite phone or just rent one.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below