2 ms·

It is probably because even if the signal is within a certain band the band still has a frequency legenth longer than a simple decimal point. Channels operate i

It is probably because even if the signal is within a certain band the band still has a frequency legenth longer than a simple decimal point. Channels operate in a range of frequency for example. Even if a device 5g and it needs to connect to a tower it will do its best to replicate the upstream / downstream signal with little noise as possible. However the noise is the difference between the devices, they are distinct and this is how they are probably determining the device. Also radio waves do not just go away. We are probably incredibly loud planet to any radio wave sensitive alien/creature.

szundi 3y ago
Since 4g lots of devices talk on the same freq at the same time and they do math to decode separate logic streams of data - so freq in itself is not enough
- Sparkyte 3y ago
  I imagine it is distinct enough if you're coned into a specific place. They are probably not looking at the global as a whole but like a radio telescope pointed back at Earth.
  - Consultant32452 3y ago
    I think you're right here. To give a hypothetical from current events, the US/NATO forces may not have direct access to information from Russian cellular networks, but a bunch of cell signals in an unusual place could indicate a troop movement or something.
    - Sparkyte 3y ago
      Right, you could be able to see not only the number of cellphones but also the group.
    - thewanderer1983 3y ago
      I have a outdoor air quality sensor that spikes for five minutes each day at certain times. I know each day when my neighbour goes out for a cigarette. On a similar note Strava data once gave away locations of military bases. If you aren't putting in any effort to obfuscate your data you are not doing enough. There is a reason why our VIPs and anti-censors both do it. Encryption and other privacy tools alone aren't enough. The IETF and others are putting great effort into encryption but not enough here. Recently Google announced MLS support, hopefully as that is adopted you'll see more effort with Pluggable transports and making it easy to hide data over more than TLS.

szundi 3y ago

Since 4g lots of devices talk on the same freq at the same time and they do math to decode separate logic streams of data - so freq in itself is not enough

Sparkyte 3y ago
I imagine it is distinct enough if you're coned into a specific place. They are probably not looking at the global as a whole but like a radio telescope pointed back at Earth.
- Consultant32452 3y ago
  I think you're right here. To give a hypothetical from current events, the US/NATO forces may not have direct access to information from Russian cellular networks, but a bunch of cell signals in an unusual place could indicate a troop movement or something.
  - Sparkyte 3y ago
    Right, you could be able to see not only the number of cellphones but also the group.
  - thewanderer1983 3y ago
    I have a outdoor air quality sensor that spikes for five minutes each day at certain times. I know each day when my neighbour goes out for a cigarette. On a similar note Strava data once gave away locations of military bases. If you aren't putting in any effort to obfuscate your data you are not doing enough. There is a reason why our VIPs and anti-censors both do it. Encryption and other privacy tools alone aren't enough. The IETF and others are putting great effort into encryption but not enough here. Recently Google announced MLS support, hopefully as that is adopted you'll see more effort with Pluggable transports and making it easy to hide data over more than TLS.