Greetings,
Had someone ask me a good question the other day, and this was the first place I though that might actually have an answer.
We've got at least several hundred remote sites spread all across the country and world. Almost all of them have analog modems on them to access remote data (mostly weather data, but also troubleshooting codes). Can you think of a way that a cellphone user, for any given network, could access that analog modem remotely?
It's a pickle of a problem, and frankly I can't think of anything. I've never heard of a 'bridge' type device/service that allows that kind of access, but I suspect it exists. That suspicion comes from the knowledge that lots of industries (oil and gas spring to mind) have similar types of devices.
Appreciate any ideas you may have, and thanks.
Dave
if the analog modem is connected to a wifi router or somehow support bluetooth access
otherwise no
Related
I was watching the idiot box the other day and it indicated that due to the 911 phone issue and requirement, all mobile phones were required to be able to be located to an address when calling 911, and thus all phones were required to have GPS unit installed, is this correct?
If that is so, are these phones illegal in the US as they dont have one, or do they have one and we dont know about it?
In the UK it is possible to track a mobile phone, and is done with 999 call in certain circumstances a number of ways. But I don't believe they use GPS in any of them yet. the main way is to tri-anglated (spelt sommit like that!) where the signal came from, which pin-points it to a faily small, but not perfect, radius.
The US are normally slightly more advanced with that sort of thing, but probably use a similar system.
Sorry, I just read your post again, the located to an address might be what we in UK do as a Subscriber Check, which is how we locate the owners of mobile phones in the police in UK. It can only be done in certain circumstances again, due to human rights, data protections, etc etc. But does not locate where the phone is when the signal was made, instead informs us who owns and registered the phone, and to what address.
Great if the phone is a contract phone.... But with PAYG it's not always that simple... you can pick these up anywhere now, and some people don't bother registering them...
When you use your mobile phone it can usually communicate with more than 1 base station & pick the nearest, it will also identify which transmitter on the base station has the strongest signal. You may also move between base stations as signal strength varies.
This information along with the amount of time to send & receive a signal can be used to identify the location of the mobile.
If the mobile can only see 1 base station it can be used to identify the location of the mobile in relation to the base station along with the distance.
If it can see 2 or more base stations it can be used to triangulate location.
Hope this helps.
Mike
Operators are required to upgrade their networks to support E911 service and have (I seem to remember) until November 2006 to complete said upgrade. There is presently no provision requiring individual handsets to provide GPS coordinates - or any other location-indicating function. There are several initiatives being explored that, if they come to fruition, would require location-reporting functions to be an integral part of new handsets.
Many of the dumb phones (Motorola etc) do already have some kind of GPS receiver, mostly AGPS (Assisted GPS) where the mobile network provides time, ephemeris and almanach, and the receiver only needs to listen to the sat time.
But only the HP iPAQ 6515 and 6915 have a similar chip at the moment, other smartphones or Pocket PC phones (like the Universal) don't have it. With all the hype around LBS it won't take long, maybe two or three generations of devices, until this is standard anyhow.
The E911 compliance has been delayed over and over again, and will be delayed through november. To cite the late Douglas Adams "I like deadlines, especially the swooshing sound they make when they pass by."
I love my MDA more and more now. But after my first week or two i was begining to think i had made a mistake buying it. Thanks to the kind and helpful folk around here and other forums, i now have it doing everything i wanted it to do and in the way i want it to do it.
I use it for TomTom, playing DIXed DVD's, music, podcasts, games, the usual email/web duties and more. And thanks to the great WiFi 'G' reg hack i can now stream my large lossles FLAC files (with the help of fantasitc Conduits Pocket Player) right into my Hifi system, just like my Squeezebox 3 media player. It's actually much better than an ipod (albeit with less storage when out of the house - although i could access my music at home from a hotspot). A fully fledged media streaming device for free! (well, a small fee for Pocket Player and a 2.5mm to 3.5mm jack adaptor).
Not only does this hack also enable 'g' speeds, but i can confirm that it also massively increases performance on 'b' speed networks too (which mine is limited to due to being an 'adhok' network).
Sure, a faster proc, better camera and maybe even 3G would be nice. But i have no wish to ever make video calls or use Skype (i'm the geek of the group and no-one else i know uses it).
I understand there will always be better third party software (Media Player is an utter waste of space for example) but why should we have to make techy and annoying tweaks to the registry, just to get the best from the unit? Why the hell do we need to hack the reg just to make a basic settings change, such as hiding SIM contacts (which is an option in just about every mobile from the last 5 years).
Is it just bad planning? Poor thinking on the manufactures part? or is there just a genuine reason for 'hiding' these settings and not making them accessable from standard menu's?
The older i get, the less time i have to mess around so much. I have better things to do these days to be honest.
Surely they would have more to gain by activating the performance increases themselfs, rather than us more tech savy types to figure out how to alter the registry. Half the things this device has been slated for in reviews can actually be sorted, but the average (make that normal) buyers of this device will be feeling a bit short changed if you ask me.
I guess the only thing left for me to do now is dump the T-Mobile ROM and use a more slimline one. Or maybe i should just figure out who to lose some of the crap from my existing install?
What is it with these companies? Don't they know when they are on to a good thing? Or maybe, just maybe it to keep us coming back for more and upgrading year after year? Hey ho...
/rant over.
Dom
Very interesting topic, well put and one which I'm sure will be relevant to me very soon...y'see my Wizard arrives in two days and it was reading posts such as yours which helped me take the plunge.
I don't mind messing about with PDAs, phones, PCs etc to get the the best performance but (as you rightly point out) we shouldn't have to. However, given the thousand of threads and posts on this (incredibly good) site, I am somewhat confused about what to do first with my Wizard.
So, could you please take a few minutes to post what changes, hacks etc you have done to get yours where you (almost) want it to be?
Many thanks in advance.
Mos
mosgeo said:
So, could you please take a few minutes to post what changes, hacks etc you have done to get yours where you (almost) want it to be?
Many thanks in advance.
Mos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The first things i would always do after a hard reset (format), after syncing back all my contacts/callender of course...
Reg hacks (main ones, i have forgot a few) -
*Hide SIM contacts (so the dont appear pointlessly twice)
*Enable 'g' speed Wifi
* Disable the annoying 'you are about to go online' message. You will understand when you get yours, VERY VERY annoying - you get it even when you are online and just switch back to PIE.
* There are some good performace tweaks to, which i forgot about.
Essential software i could not be without (some free, some not - unless you are naughty. Don't be naughty now )
*TomTom (Sat Nav)
*Memory Map Pocket Nav + GPS and the O.S. maps i use for walking
*TCPMP - The best video player
* Conduits Pocket Player - the best music player IMO (Streaming, gapless playback and OGG/FLAC support - nice). costs a few beer tokens, but free good alternatives are available.
*Resco File explorer and Reg editor.
*Opera Browser - Renders pages faster than PIE, handles java script etc better and Tabbed browsing makes GPRS speeds much less of a pain.
*Memmaid - for cleaing up temp files, dead registry entries etc.
*Storage tools - for formating and sorting out MiniSD cards - WM5 can't even format a bloody memory card!
*Wififofum - for finding WiFi networks (more for fun than anything).
*OMAPclock - for a bit of overclocking (more for fun again, i rarely feel the need is that great)
*And of course registry wizard for the good people of these forums
Thats about it really for me, but i am finding more cools things everyday to play with but those are my must have ones - i have had to install
A few must have games include, AOE, UFO, 3D pool and Soduko.
Personally i dont use a today plugin. I have not found one i like yet and most have icons etc that are to small on the MDA's small screen or just make clutter rather than really help me. A well organised start menu is enough for me.
Oh, and of course you can flash the ROM. But i have not done this yet. T-Mobiles version does not seem that bad but i hear the O2 version is a real dog and well worth doing. I just worry about lost Wifi and GPRS functionality i have heard about some people having.
Really wasn't expecting a reply so soon, and certainly not such a comprehensive one. Thanks for your time. I may be back with more questions once I actually get my mitts on a Wizard. Cheers!
yes I agree , it is great post, specially for new people like me, I got mine (Qtek 9100) just on Friday, and I am still figuring out its functions.
But I have question - if you have time to answer - I really don't know about WiFi function -which is in the device- , if I want to connect to the internet I should have a wireless router connected to my main PC, is that right ? I have read some of posts in here, that they can connect to the Internet - through their PPC - when they are outside or walking or traveling from area to another, by scanning for the nearby Connection, then they can use it to visit websites, does this cost money when they connect to the Internet using the WiFi ? And how can I do the same if it doesn't cost m money ? Can the "WiFi Fofum" program do this o is it only to scan any available connection nearby ? How can I connect to the internet (through WiFi) when this programm finds connection? And if it is really totally free..
I know this are bunch o Questions But I really want to use this function - if possible - specially that I work outside my city and I have to spend couple of hours travelling almost everyday. I appreciate any comment.
Wireless router at home if you want to use it wirelessly or if you do what I do now and then..... connect via the USB cable to your PC. Out and about you can connect for free if someone has a wireless network within range that has no WEP security enabled
There are wireless spots around the country but you have to pay for the main ones via an account you have to set up (kind of pay as you go) Cloud is one company that runs WiFi hotspots on a PAYG basis.
If you leave your WIFI scanning it will tell you if you are within range of a network, it will also tell you if it is secured or not, if it isn't then 9/10 you can just connect and use it
I have been meaning to make a post just like the OP. You are on the mark, IMO! This situation really begs the question, how can this thing be so feeble out of the box?
Thank you XDA and all of the kind people on this forum. You have been the best!
Thomas1234 said:
if I want to connect to the internet I should have a wireless router connected to my main PC, is that right ? I have read some of posts in here, that they can connect to the Internet - through their PPC - when they are outside or walking or traveling from area to another, by scanning for the nearby Connection, then they can use it to visit websites, does this cost money when they connect to the Internet using the WiFi ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case, my service provider (Cingular) offers a service called GPRS/EDGE, which lets the Wizard access the Internet through the cell phone connection.
I use the WiFi when I don't have a good connection. Most of the time, for browsing mini-websites and sending e-mails, there isn't much speed difference between WiFi and GPRS. I don't think the Wizard is fast enough to process more than a few 100 kbps of data.
If you don't want to (or can't) pay for a GPRS service, it's possible to "war drive" for access points. The Wizard will find them, although its WiFi reception isn't as powerful as a laptop's.
On my phone, if I enable WiFi, the phone will automatically use WiFi instead of GPRS when WiFi is available. If you don't want to pay GPRS charges, you might want to configure the phone so that it doesn't use GPRS.
can you explain 'wardriving' please? is it just freely using wifi points without paying? bit confused
Thanks
Jamie,
You are correct in your assumption !! You would be amazed at the number of 'unlocked' WiFi routers out there....
Ever tried running Bluetooth detection in a pub and seen how many phones are out there too ?
If you can find an unlocked WiFi router running DHCP - 'Fill your boots' !! Sometimes it's even possible to guess IP addresses of other PC's on the network, access em and leave a kindly note to thank them for their hospitality but warn them of their folly and the potential for disaster......I know I have but then that's me: Mr Altruism
Ok how can I get any internet connection through WiFi ? Should I just enable my WiFi and it'll scan for any available connection nearby ? I did but nothing happened, it wants from me to fill form which I really don't know anything about it... Or do I have to use a program to scan for connection ? And if yes, should my WiFi be enabled ? What is the best program for scaning ? I wish if someone explains me all that and how can start using WiFi to get a connection and an access to the internet but slowly, will be thankful.
Im new to all of this, but what can you do with the registry wizard and how do you install it? I foud a zip file for it, but cant get it to load.
Thanks!
i have a question too if you have the time mate,
I don't exactly want to use the edge since i dont have an unlimited plan or something.how can i delete these settings and do you think any problems will occur?(sending recieving mms)
basicly i don't it to connect to edge(gprs)auto.is there a way to fix this
thanks so much.
I am travelling a lot and this would be very nice, to have a program to get onto a secured wifi network, for example the networks on airports and hotels??
Does anyone know if this excists for a PDA?
Bazzz66 said:
I am travelling a lot and this would be very nice, to have a program to get onto a secured wifi network, for example the networks on airports and hotels??
Does anyone know if this excists for a PDA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't suppose you would mind giving out your address so someone can come by and steal some of your stuff while you are on these trips. That seems fair.
Even if we ignore the ethics of braking in to secure networks for a moment (something you can go to prison for in many places) you should know that PDAs simply do not have the processing power to break the encryption.
So the program you are asking for can not exist.
the legal issue is if one tag along on a unsecure network and spread provide kiddyP0rn or hack into goverment instalations the owner of the connection is legaly held responsible thats why it's seen as more
then a free ride on unused bandwidth
HI,
Ok, on my way back from Blockbuster I was taxing the ole cognitive faculties and, being the cheap b*stard I am, thought of a possible way of gaining free internet access on the move. Here is my idea.
Using a Orange UK Pay as You Go sim in a GSM data card hooked up to my main PC at home with full access to High Speed internet. I set up a RAS server, add this number to my Magic Numbers and dial in for remote access and iNet connection. Of course if this is possible compression could be used before IP packets are routed to the mobile device improving, what I assume to be, a lousy bandwidth.
Further questions related to this:
What is the available bandwidth of a GSM data call?
Do Orange allow data calls on non-contract numbers, and are Orange able to detect that a line is being used for data rather than voice? And, if yes to the latter, can a data call masquerade as a voice?
Are there any good compression clients for Windows Mobile?
Being stuck with GPRS/EDGE on my VOX the data plans are diabolical, now I have a eee pc I'm kinda getting these two devices to dance together as best they can for the ultimate mobile experience, and if this theory is plausible and with performance comparable to GPRS, then I think im on to something worth while for my self and others.
Any response is appreciated
not sure if it's possible
but data gsm is only 9600
Unfortunately I don't have any concrete answers for you, but I'm thinking about picking up an EEE PC as well, and this is an absolutely FANTASTIC idea. I'm extremely interested in how this project fares for you. When it comes to phone networks, I'm still a noob, but I've been administering a satellite network for a few years, and based on the networking experience i've gotten in that short time, what you propose seems entirely possible. The biggest issue that I think you're going to run into is getting the compression to work properly. I'm worried that it will impede the processing performance of the phone. I think you may have better luck finding a packetshaper for the EEE rather than your WM device.
On a side note, what distro of Linux do those run? i've been looking around, and havn't been able to find out if it's Ubuntu, RedHat, anything. Everything I find just says 'Linux'. Also, have you been able to easily pair your phone to the EEE? I'm running Ubuntu Feisty Fawn on my desktop and I can't get anything out of the USB connection. (I know this is off-topic of your original post, and i apologize, but please PM me if you, or anyone else, have any suggestions. [i've searched forums for some suggestions, havn't worked out] Thanks.)
Good Luck!
Ok thanks all for the response, im going to post info etc. as and when I find it.
Here is general GSM info that confirms and elaberates on Rudegar's post
http://www.tml.tkk.fi/Studies/Tik-110.300/1998/Newtech/fast_gsm_2.html
in brief, using compression 'up to 36000 bps' can be acheived, which is sufficient for Image free web-surfing courtesy of Opera and telnet. Moreover, the article referenced is fairly old and I imagine DUN compression algorythms have come on leaps and bounds, especially since the broadband revolution. I think you're right in suggesting that decompression may tax my Vox, I will use the VOX as modem either over USB or BT. Next I will research compression, keep you all posted.
As for the EEE, well I am totally in love with mine. The stock Eee comes with Xandros a flavour of Linux that I found to be quite bitter. I am currently using XPTablet Edition. I have tried Ubuntu, gOS, eeexubuntu and couldn't deal with the inability to upscale the resolution so I went Windows. Now I can scale 900x600 without any glitches. I have modified my 4g with a touchscreen, 2 gigs of RAM in the post, all I need now is a way of fitting an Xscale PPC sisterboard and the HTC Shift can suck my.......
My only advice is DON'T GET a eee pc 2G, as you will only regret it.... I did!
Oh... I think you'd have to recompile your kernel to get some kind of activesync replacment. I've seen the answer somewhere on my travels--probably www.Eeeuser.com or www.ubuntu.com--If i find it again ill let you know.
Whilst browsing for a cheap GSM modem I came across the Three Pay 3G modem reduced to £69 from Ebuyer. Of course I bought one on the spot--perhaps I'm not such a cheap b*stard after all. For this reason this little project is now less of a necessity. I will be using a VPN of some kind but I doubt that it will be of much relevance to this post. If I do stumble on anything of interest I will post. As the modem has 2G capabilities I will test a few dialin setups.
I'd like to know what would happen if I took a dremel tool and drilled a hole into my cell radio chip. Very carefully so that I didn't damage anything else. With the exception of the phone not being able to connect to the cell network, would the phone still work as normal??
I'm not doing anything illegal but I'm old and I still believe in the constitution and the right to privacy. And since I cannot depend on my government to do the right thing I would like to see what I can do to ensure I'm not "big data'd".
Destroying the cell radio would be my first choice - no doubts at all that my data isn't leaking via the cell network at that point. If that is not possible does anybody have any other ideas of how to lock down the cell radio completely??
Thanks for you help!
Mrktmind said:
Destroying the cell radio would be my first choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Mrktmind
Sorry if I'm missing something here but ... your first option shouldn't be "Airplane Mode" ?
Nice regards.
.
Thank you for your reply Kdio.
My goal is/was to absolutely ensure that no voice/data is possible over cellular network. I'm guessing Airplane Mode is a function of the Android OS and thus would not effect the baseband firmware. Which is what (another guess) is being used to turn on your microphone remotely/covertly even with the phone turned off. I also want to leave intact the wi fi abilities of the phone.
I have since done some research and realized my knowledge of phone hardware may be numerous years old! Not as simple as locating a Cellular chip and disabling it. Now there are modem chips (some with GPS &wifi radios built in), baseband processors, wifi radios, etc. etc. I will keep researching but it is likely to take me a long while to get to where I want to be as I have very little time anymore. Which is why I was hoping a fellow XDA member might already know the answer. Or at least share with me the right direction in which to search.
Some (mostly younger) might wonder if it is worth this much effort just to keep my data and voice regarding totally legal things private. I would plead with those people to study history and learn what happens when people no longer have privacy or anonymity.