When a cell phone sends a picture through a text message, it typically uses a protocol called Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Here's how it works:
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Encoding: The picture is first encoded into a digital format suitable for transmission. Common formats include JPEG or PNG.
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Transmission: The encoded image data is then sent over the mobile network. This can occur through various types of signals, depending on the mobile network technology:
- 2G/3G/4G Networks: Early MMS services used GPRS or EDGE (for 2G and 3G). Modern services often utilize LTE (4G) or 5G networks, which provide higher bandwidth and faster transmission speeds.
- Mobile Data or Wi-Fi: The transmission can occur over the cellular data network or via Wi-Fi if the device is connected.
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Protocol: The phone uses MMS protocols to format the message and manage the delivery. This includes metadata about the message and how to retrieve it.
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Receiving the Message: The recipient's phone receives the MMS and decodes the image, allowing the user to view the picture.
Overall, the process involves various signal types (radio signals for the mobile network) and communication protocols designed for delivering multimedia content.