[beginner] Network coverage inside an elevator?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Telecom operators assert that users can receive network coverage inside elevators, despite elevators being metal structures that act as closed conductors. According to Gauss' theorem, no charge exists within a closed conductor, leading to confusion about signal reception. However, cell phones operate using electrodynamics, allowing electromagnetic waves to transmit signals. While elevators do attenuate some signals, they do not completely block them, particularly at specific frequencies where signals can penetrate the elevator walls effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gauss' theorem in electrostatics
  • Basic knowledge of electrodynamics and electromagnetic waves
  • Familiarity with signal attenuation concepts
  • Insight into telecommunications and mobile network operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electromagnetic wave propagation
  • Explore the effects of materials on signal attenuation
  • Learn about frequency ranges used in mobile telecommunications
  • Investigate how different environments affect mobile signal strength
USEFUL FOR

Telecommunications engineers, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding mobile network performance in confined spaces like elevators.

rahuld.exe
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
So many telecom operators claim that their users will get network coverage even inside an elevator. But according to Gauss' theorem, no charge is supposed to exist inside a closed conductor and an elevator (made of metal) is a closed conductor... So how is one supposed to get network coverage inside?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're thinking in terms of electrostatics. Cell phones work using electrodynamics to transmit signals, i.e. photons/electromagnetic waves.

The elevator will attenuate some of the signal but at the right frequencies the signal will mostly pass through the elevator boundary.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
5K