How do paging systems work

The pager checks to see if the message is intended for it, and if it is It stores the message in the electronic memory. Pagers can store many messages, depending on memory size. For example, a pager may typically store 50 messages. The processor will display the most recent message first, though some pagers may be able to display the most urgent message first.

Pagers have two ways to indicate that a new message has been received. The vibrator notifies you silently, when the beeping noise would be intrusive. You can configure these indicators to be on or off or generate an easily-recognisable pattern that tells you how urgent the message is, without you having to look at the display.

The control buttons enable you to scroll through your messages and generally configure the options that best meet your needs. You can connect your pager to a computer with a USB cable to configure it.

The components that carry out these functions are enclosed in a robust plastic case to provide a high degree of protection. A pager is a small telecommunication device that receives radio signals from the paging network. In the case of two-way pagers, radio signals may be sent from the device as well. Transmitters in the paging networks broadcast signals over a specific frequency. Pagers that are physically in range of the transmitters listen to the signal from the transmitter.

Learn more about how pagers work in this infographic. Paging networks are superior to cellular networks in a lot of ways. Notably, paging transmitters use high frequency radio signals with antennas that are typically located high off the ground so they can extend farther with fewer transmitters and less interference. Paging networks also use multiple towers simultaneously , providing overlapping read: more reliable coverage. Modern paging networks use sophisticated satellite connections between the core messaging network and transmitter towers.

This bypasses vulnerable telephone and RF link networks, providing a higher degree of efficacy and security. Not all paging systems are created alike. The most secure and reliable paging networks rely on a checkerboard pattern of transmitter sites. This is the approach that Spok employs for its industry-leading paging services.

Since hospitals and clinical settings are bound by HIPAA and other regulations, proper data encryption is essential. With alphanumeric paging systems, messages can only be sent one way; but with two-way alphanumeric pagers messages and texts are both sent and received.

Numeric pagers allow for a numeric display of the numbers that need to be called. Voice or tone pagers play recorded messages. Beepers are the simplest and either light up, vibrate, beep or play some other sound when activated. Initially, pagers were used by medical and emergency personnel but they rapidly became popular for everyday use. Pagers have become a big business and although their use has declined since the invention of the cell phone they have remained popular, especially for emergency response systems.

Pagers have several advantages over cell phones. The main advantage is that they work in areas like hospitals where cell phones do not receive signal. This advantage means that pagers are also very handy for emergency situations.

Emergency paging systems are practical and fast acting.