Difference between radio station and mobile phone station

In summary, a radio station can broadcast to a whole city from a single antenna because all receivers receive the same information, thus it is limited by propagation. On the other hand, a mobile phone system needs a network of basestations because each user wants different information, so it is limited by bandwidth. Additionally, radio stations send signals at longer wavelengths which are less sensitive to local obstacles, while mobile phone systems have shorter range due to their lower radiated power. This is why a chain of signal towers is required to pick up the signal and broadcast it to the receiver phone.
  • #1
Asma
12
0
Please help me with this... Why a radio station can be broadcast to a whole city from a single antenna, whereas a mobile phone system needs a network of basestations?

Thanks,,,
 
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  • #2
A radio station can send the same signal to all. Sure, you have several radio stations, but that is nothing against the number of mobile phone calls in a city. You have to make smaller cells to handle that number. In less populated areas, the station density can be lower.

Another difference: radio stations send at longer wavelengths, those are less sensitive to local obstacles.
 
  • #3
Thanks for your answer... :)
 
  • #4
The power a radio station is able to broadcast is often measured in kilowatts. (50,000 watt AM superstations, anyone?) Radio stations can broadcast to more than a whole city. AM Superstations can cover half the continental US, if the conditions are right.

The power in a mobile phone handset? Maybe a few watts tops, which limits the range of the signal. Because of the short range of the mobile signal, a chain of signal towers is required to pick up the signal, feed it into the phone network, and then broadcast to the receiver phone. When traveling and you lose your cell phone signal, it's because there is a big obstacle in the way, like a mountain, or you are no longer close to a cell tower.
 
  • #5
Asma said:
Please help me with this... Why a radio station can be broadcast to a whole city from a single antenna, whereas a mobile phone system needs a network of basestations?

Thanks,,,

What is the context for your question? Is this a question you were asked in school? What grade level are you in school now?
 
  • #6
SteamKing said:
The power a radio station is able to broadcast is often measured in kilowatts. (50,000 watt AM superstations, anyone?) Radio stations can broadcast to more than a whole city. AM Superstations can cover half the continental US, if the conditions are right.

The power in a mobile phone handset? Maybe a few watts tops, which limits the range of the signal. Because of the short range of the mobile signal, a chain of signal towers is required to pick up the signal, feed it into the phone network, and then broadcast to the receiver phone. When traveling and you lose your cell phone signal, it's because there is a big obstacle in the way, like a mountain, or you are no longer close to a cell tower.

TBH I'm not sure on the radiated power from a radio station, however mobile vehicle radios have a maximum radiated power of 50 watts, only if licensed, Canadian FCC regulations has a baseline radiated power of 25 watts. For the portable 2 way radios the radiated power is 5 to 10 watts. Lower frequencies can travel farther, such as AM radio, however their penetration is lower. Higher frequency ranges has better penetration.

Some cell phones have a frequency range of 900 MHz to 1.2 ghz if memory serves me correct.
 
  • #7
Thanks all for your response.. I am doing MSc of information and communication engineering...
 
  • #8
Thanks all,,, just I would like to mention the main difference between them. For the radio station, because all receivers receive the same information, hence it is limited by propagation. But in cellular system, each user wants different information, so it is limited by bandwidth. So the cellular system needs several transmitters using the same frequency, one of which is closer to the receiver than the others..
 
  • #9
Mordred said:
TBH I'm not sure on the radiated power from a radio station, however mobile vehicle radios have a maximum radiated power of 50 watts, only if licensed, Canadian FCC regulations has a baseline radiated power of 25 watts. For the portable 2 way radios the radiated power is 5 to 10 watts. Lower frequencies can travel farther, such as AM radio, however their penetration is lower. Higher frequency ranges has better penetration.

Some cell phones have a frequency range of 900 MHz to 1.2 ghz if memory serves me correct.

A list of the 50,000 watt stations in the US:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_50_kW_AM_radio_stations_in_the_United_States

50 kW is currently the highest broadcast output authorized by the FCC.
 
  • #10
A broadcast station transmits at high power. The phone tower not only transmits, but it must also receive, and it needs to receive relatively weak signals---those from nearby handheld phones.
 

What is the difference between a radio station and a mobile phone station?

Radio stations and mobile phone stations are both forms of communication technology, but they have some key differences. A radio station uses a broadcast transmitter and receiver to transmit audio signals over long distances, while a mobile phone station uses a cellular network to transmit voice and data signals between mobile devices and base stations.

How do radio stations and mobile phone stations transmit signals?

Radio stations use electromagnetic waves to transmit signals, while mobile phone stations use radio frequency signals. Radio stations have a larger range of frequencies available to them, while mobile phone stations operate within a specific frequency band allocated by the government.

Which one is more reliable for communication?

This depends on the context and location. Radio stations are generally more reliable in areas with poor infrastructure or during natural disasters, as they do not rely on a network of towers and can reach a wider audience. However, in urban areas with strong cellular coverage, mobile phone stations may be more reliable for personal communication.

What are the main uses of radio stations and mobile phone stations?

Radio stations are primarily used for broadcasting news, music, and other forms of entertainment to a wide audience. Mobile phone stations are used for personal communication, such as making phone calls, sending text messages, and accessing the internet.

Can a radio station and a mobile phone station be combined?

Yes, it is possible for a radio station and a mobile phone station to be combined. This is known as a hybrid radio station, which allows for both traditional broadcasting and mobile communication within the same device. This technology is becoming increasingly popular, especially for emergency communication purposes.

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