Unique mobile number - an old article

Nowadays, mobile phones come with Infra Red as well as bluetooth technologies. What is the difference as such between the two?

I would also like to know how to look up my mobile phone's unique number. What key sequence ought I to press to get it?

Vijaya Bhaskar

There are sites on the Internet that explain exhaustively how these two technologies, infrared and bluetooth, work. To put it simply, here are some basic differences:

Infra Red is associated with low frequency light waves.

The cost of putting an IR device into a system is not very high. Infra Red is a one-to-one process, meaning you can send signals only from one piece of equipment to another, such as the TV set and the remote control.

You cannot bring in a third system. Also, for Infra Red to work, the transmitter (say, the remote) and the receiver (the TV) need to be in line of sight. If there is any object between them, the signal will not pass through.

Bluetooth uses radio frequency that allows for transmission through objects such as walls. Hence it could be used to link up more than two devices, and they do not need to be in line of sight. And since these devices operate on a standard frequency, they can `talk' to each other whoever the manufacturer.

As to which one is better, that would depend on the functions you want of your mobile phone.

Regarding your other query, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is on all GSM phones. This number is unique to each mobile phone.

Mobile phone companies can use the number to identify valid subscribers and the type of equipment used.

By using this number we can remotely disable the phone in the event it is stolen or reported lost.

To get the mobile phone IMEI number, please Press*#06#. This will display the 15-digit number. Please note it down and keep it stored safe.

If this key sequence does not work, you can get the IMEI through this method: Switch off the Mobile Phone, Remove the battery. Look on the phone for a white sticker/label, which would be now exposed after removal of the battery, for the IMEI. It would be 15 or 17 digits not including a few forward slashes included and without any letters. Only the first 15-digits are needed.

By Pressing this number in Nokia Phone *#92702689# (to remember *#WAR0ANTY#) you will get 1.Serial Number, 2.Date Made, 3.Purchase Date, 4.Date of last repair (0000 for no repairs), 5.Transfer User Data. To exit this mode - you need to switch your phone off, then on again.