How to Track a Mobile Phone
Posted on August 24th, 2009 by Marck
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When used properly and within the bounds of the law, mobile surveillance can be very useful for business, marketing, or for keeping relationships in check. As mobile phones and gadgets become increasingly more advanced, many manufacturers now keep up with the demands of customers to determine a location based on the location of the gadget. Here are some ways to track a mobile phone.
How Tracking Works
Like almost all electronic communication devices, a cell phone transmits and receives signals. Tracking works by using these signals to detect the approximate location of the phone. Depending on the tracking method used, the handset, or the SIM used in the handset, may be used to point where the phone is. While you may not be able to see what the other person is doing or you may not be able to intercept messages and calls, you can use tracking systems to determine locations, to navigate, or to set up a business strategy if your venture relies on phones and mobile technology.
Tracking Methods
There are two common ways to track a mobile phone:
Network-Based Tracking
The signals exchanged in a mobile phone network can be used to detect the location of a mobile phone. Network-based tracking uses the existing cellular network structure to determine where the phone is at a particular point in space at any particular time. Phone service providers usually have these technologies in place, although the information is classified as private. Here are some ways to accomplish network-based tracking:
- Cellular identification. Each SIM card or handset has a unique identification number that can be used in many ways to detect its location.
- Triangulation is a very accurate system that uses satellite technology to locate the precise location of a cellular phone. Triangulation was initially available for military applications, but is now very useful for surveillance and navigation.
Applications and Hardware
Another way to detect the location of the phone is to use the handset itself. Many advanced third-generation phones and smartphones come with navigation aids like GPS, and the technology can be used to detect the location of the user (Learn how to use GPS). Advanced communication signals like 3G, HSDPA, and HSUPA are also quite useful to detect the location of a phone through wireless mobile broadband and Web-based applications like Google Latitude.
Many governments and laws have rules expressly regulating the tracking of mobile devices unless absolutely necessary, or if the purposes and ends of tracking is permitted. With these steps and tips, you can detect the location of a mobile phone at any time, and from any place it may be. If you’re upbeat about this article, you’ll surely be interested in reading the Four ways to survive without a mobile phone.
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