Smart Phones Essay -- Technology, iPhone

Abstract: Apple’s iPhone initiated the popularization of smart phones in 2007. Smart phones and similar mobile computing devices have led to an unprecedented surge in mobile data usage which is a double edged sword as it generates more revenue for carriers, however the rapidly increasing number of devices and the way they operate, most wireless networks today are heavily congested which reduces the Quality-of-Service and will have detrimental effects in the long run if not curbed swiftly. This paper examines the effects smart phones have had on wireless cellular networks, their cause and what strategies will mitigate these adverse effects. I. INTRODUCTION AND MOTIVATION In the past few years, the mobile communications industry has seen an explosive growth of mobile data [1]. This phenomenon can be attributed to the Apple iPhone which when released in 2007 ushered in the era of smart phones and other mobile computing devices. Even though smart phones did exist before the iPhone, it was the Apple iPhone which truly brought smart phones to the masses. This was followed closely by Google Android, tablet computers such as the iPad and other developments in the mobile communications industry which paved the way for smart phones to become a substantial share of worldwide mobile handset sales. One key development which also led to the rise of smart phones was the development of high data rates standards such as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) and Evolution Data-Optimized (EV-DO). Smart phones are able to provide users with a wide variety of features which usually require heavy data transfer such as video calls, high-quality video streaming, location- based data services and other content delivery services. These features led to the p... ...etwork to the maximum without causing network management issues. iv. The future network should be designed to support only data communication where the voice communication will be done over VoIP. An only data design would simplify the design of this network by significantly reducing the number of processes and eliminating circuit switching parameters. It should have an advanced air-interface coupled with a scalable backhaul network to deal with increasing mobile data. VI. CONCLUSION This paper analyzed the impact of smart phones on wireless cellular carriers. The cause and effects on carriers as well as possible mitigation strategies were explored. Network congestion is the immediate challenge facing cellular carrier, but the mobile industry as a whole faces numerous challenges ahead. The paper also discussed some of features that future networks might include.