Although a lot of interest has been lately focused on wireless communication, it is not a completely new concept as many people assume. Wireless communication can be traced as far back as 1897 when Marconi demonstrated the feasibility of wireless telegraphy. Radio reception was established across the Atlantic Ocean by 1901 and different types of gadgets have been used over the years.

Wireless communication was largely replaced by point-to-point communication before it made a massive comeback, especially in the use of cell phones.

Basically, a cellular network is composed of fixed base stations that provide coverage to wireless subscribers. The areas covered by base stations are known as cells, which are usually hexagonal with the base stations at the center. However, the base stations are placed irregularly depending on such things as topography and buildings.

When users make calls, they are connected to the base stations that provide the best path, which will not necessary be the closest geographically. The base stations then communicate with Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs) via microwave links or high-speed wired connections.

While the older cellular systems were analog, 2G and 3G systems are digital. The current systems are designed to handle both voice and data.