Laptops and Mobile Devices Lesson 006: Mobile Device Wireless Connectivity Part 2

What do all modern smartphones support when it comes to cellular connectivity?

The use of eSIM removing the need for the use of an actual SIM card.

What benefit does eSIM provide that traditional SIM card functionality does not?

Affordability in getting a data service when overseas through the utilization of international roaming.

What does PRL stand for?

Preferred Roaming List.

Preferred Roaming List

Contains all the information about different cellular towers that a user’s device and a user’s service provider are going to support the use of.

Why is it necessary for a PRL to be installed in a device with SIMs and eSIMs?

Because the device needs to know how to connect to all types of different cellular towers around the world and their associated networks.

How does a user update their PRL?

By calling *228 or in the settings menu on their smartphone.

What do most modern smartphones do concerning PRL?

Automatically update PRL for you.

Why would someone still have to access a smartphones PRL even if it has the capability to automatically update it?

When troubleshooting a cellular connectivity issue.

What are the two main ways of enabling and disabling the cellular radio on a user device?

By turning it off through settings or by using airplane mode.

What is the difference in using airplane mode between older and newer cellular devices?

Can automatically disable Wi-Fi connectivity as well, due to legacy enforcement of Wi-Fi needing to be turned off.

What other restrictions are put into place when utilizing airplane mode on a cellular device in some devices?

Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and NFC receivers.

What determines the restrictions on a device concerning the use of airplane mode?

Varies by model and device country of origin.

Bluetooth

Used as a short-range point-to-point network connection between a mobile device and an accessory.

What does a user have to do when connecting a Bluetooth device to their phone?

By turning on discoverable/pairing mode and click on the name of the device that they wish to connect to from the Bluetooth connection settings.

What layer of security is utilized when pairing a new device to a mobile device?

The use of an authentication PIN code or passkey.

What can a user do if they don’t know the required passcode for connecting a Bluetooth device to their mobile device?

Check the manufacturer’s website or try “0000” or “1234”.

What are some Bluetooth enabled devices capable of doing in terms of authentication?

Automatically sending the PIN number to the phone, which will then be displayed on the screen for the user to verify.

How is a Bluetooth connection validated?

Through the use of the product to ensure proper connection and functionality.

Near-Field Communication

Allows a device to receive and send information in the <term> format over very short distances.

What is the typical range of a NFC connection?

2-4 inches.

What is the maximum range of a NFC connection?

8 inches.

What is the premise behind NFC connections?

To have the ability to use a highly trusted connection when in the same place as something else.

What is the most common use case for NFC connections and communication?

Contactless payment.

How is NFC most commonly disabled?

Through the settings of the mobile device.

What is the second most common utilization of NFC?

When setting a Bluetooth enabled device next to a mobile device for automatically establishing a Bluetooth connection.

After being used to automatically pair a Bluetooth enabled device to a mobile device, is there any further use of the NFC connection in this specific application?

No.