On 11/23/08, Terry Streeter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > The problem is without GPS in the mobile, the mobile doesn't know where > it is. Each cell has a unique* identifier which allows the mobile to > report on the surrounding cells. The mobile has no way of turning this > information into a real location, as it can't possibly know the > geographic configuration of the network. The network does (of course) > know how the network is connected and so can turn this into a real > location. The newer mobiles which have a GPS receiver fitted do know > where they are, but that is independent of the mobile network system. > > Terry Streeter > NB Arun - Stockton > > > * Again, a slight simplification. The codes are reused, but > sufficiently far apart that there is no possibility of confusion.
and Pete said: > Just as the system knows which mast is connected to the mobile, does > not the mobile know which mast it is speaking via ? Well I don't know about none-unique cell mast IDs, but Google Maps Mobile actually transmits the local cell ids back to Google, and calculates its location from a database that they have compiled themselves (I understand). It can work very well in high coverage areas, but it's a bit pony when you are only within 1 cells reception. I'm not sure if it can use more than a single operators cell or just the network your Sim is for. Cheers, Mike -- Michael Askin http://shoestring_DOT_zapto_DOT_org/
