Difference between radio station and mobile phone station

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between radio stations and mobile phone stations, focusing on their broadcasting capabilities, power levels, and the necessity for multiple base stations in mobile networks. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to telecommunications.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that radio stations can broadcast to a whole city from a single antenna because they send the same signal to all receivers, while mobile phone systems require a network of base stations to handle the high volume of individual calls.
  • It is mentioned that radio stations operate at higher power levels, often in kilowatts, allowing them to cover larger areas, whereas mobile phones typically operate at a few watts, limiting their range.
  • Some participants discuss the impact of frequency on signal propagation, with lower frequencies (like those used in AM radio) traveling farther but having lower penetration through obstacles compared to higher frequencies used in mobile communications.
  • One participant highlights that in cellular systems, each user requires different information, which limits bandwidth and necessitates multiple transmitters using the same frequency to serve different users effectively.
  • There is mention of specific power levels for mobile vehicle radios and portable two-way radios, indicating variability in radiated power based on licensing and regulations.
  • A participant references the need for phone towers to not only transmit but also receive weak signals from handheld devices, emphasizing the complexity of mobile communication systems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the fundamental differences in broadcasting capabilities and power levels between radio stations and mobile phone systems. However, there are nuances in the details regarding power levels, frequency effects, and the implications for signal propagation that remain less clear, indicating some level of disagreement or uncertainty.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about specific power levels and the technical details of radio station broadcasting, indicating that further clarification may be needed. Additionally, the discussion touches on regulatory aspects that may influence power outputs for different types of communication devices.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in telecommunications, engineering students, or those exploring the technical aspects of radio and mobile communication systems.

Asma
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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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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.
 
Thanks for your answer... :)
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Thanks all for your response.. I am doing MSc of information and communication engineering...
 
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..
 
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.
 

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