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How telephony works reveals the complex technologies behind everyday communication as an impressive interplay of acoustics and electronics.
How telephony works: step by step
Making phone calls may be something many of us take for granted, but it actually involves complex technology. Basically, making a phone call consists of converting acoustic signals (your voice) into electrical signals, which are transmitted via a telephone line or mobile network and then converted back into acoustic signals.
- The first step in making a phone call is to convert your voice into electrical signals. This is done by a microphone in your phone, which converts sound waves into electrical energy.
- These electrical signals are then encoded to minimize data loss during transmission.
- The encoded signals are then sent via cables, satellites, or radio networks to the recipient’s phone.
- When they reach the recipient’s device, the electrical signals are decoded.
- The recipient’s phone converts the decoded electrical signals back into acoustic signals using a speaker so that the recipient can hear your voice.
From landlines to mobile phones: The evolution of telephony
Telephony has changed significantly since Alexander Graham Bell invented the first telephone in 1876. The introduction of mobile networks and Internet-based communication technologies has enabled us to communicate with each other in a variety of convenient ways.
- In the early days, telephones were permanently installed and connected by cables that transmitted voice signals in the form of electrical impulses.
- With the introduction of mobile phone technology in the 1980s, people were able to make calls anywhere. Mobile phones convert voice signals into digital signals that are transmitted via radio waves.
- The introduction of improved voice quality and enabled new services such as call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calls.
- Today, Voice over IP (VoIP) services such as Skype or WhatsApp enable people to make phone calls over the internet. Voice signals are converted into data packets and sent over the internet.
- Advances in mobile technology, from 3G to 4G and now to 5G, have also significantly improved the quality and speed of voice transmission. #BBD0E0 » 5 the editor
