AGPS
AGPS: What is it?
AGPS is an auxiliary GPS technology. Here, auxiliary refers to supplementary or additional. So, if you were wondering what AGPS really means, now you know the answer. Let’s go through the definition of APGS again: AGPS is a supportive layer on existing GPS technology.
To understand this further, you have to know how GPS works. While we have already explained all this in our GPS technology section, let us explain it in two lines. Say, you have a mobile phone with a GPS receiver. This means the phone will receive radio signals directly from the satellite so that tracking the location is possible.
AGPS works in the same way, except that there is something between the GPS receiver and the satellite. And what is this exactly? When it comes to mobile phones, this “something” is a server usually called as “assisted server.”
This server has information of the satellites.
AGPS: How Does It Work?
So now you know that AGPS (also written as A-GPS) is a navigational aid. Unlike regular GPS, this technology uses cell phone tower and server to find the exact location. But how does it really work?
While GPS receivers looks for the satellites, the AGPS-enabled device looks for its nearest server. Here is how the connection works:
- AGPS Receivers -> Server -> Satellites
In other words, AGPS uses server to narrow down your location. The process is interesting. First, you have to understand about the startup time in GPS.
A regular GPS requires a lot of startup time to connect with a satellite. This task can take more than a couple of minutes, and this is where AGPS can be extremely useful. More on this is explained in our next section.
AGPS: What are the benefits?
Advantages of using AGPS are endless. Let’s take an example. Say that you are stuck in an unknown location, and you would like to know the exact place. This is where you can use AGPS on your mobile phone. Simply activating AGPS will force the network carrier to find the nearest cell phone tower or assisted server, through which satellite connection is made.
This process is different from that of a regular or standalone GPS. Here, in AGPS, there are no radio signals from the satellite. AGPS connects to nearest server, and this server already holds the required satellite information. The whole process is now much faster!
Another advantage of AGPS over GPS is the period of time. AGPS is an instant process – meaning the information is relayed quickly over the assisted server.
All the possibly unreliable signals can be avoided with AGPS.
FAQ:
Q: Does AGPS require data connection?
A: As AGPS connects to closest mobile tower or assisted server, it uses data connection. This also means that you may end up paying to connect through AGPS, while on GPS it’s absolutely free.
Q: Can I activate AGPS on 3G?
A: Yes, AGPS can be activated using 3G connection and GPRS connection. You do need Internet for location tracking through AGPS technology.
Q: What is TTFF in AGPS?
A: AGPS’s TTFF refers to “Time To First Fix.” The information about location of satellites and other important details are stored via cellular network, which saves time. In GPS, however, this is not the case. The time consumed for downloading this data through AGPS is less than GPS.
Q: Is AGPS enabled by default on mobile phones?
A: No! On smartphones powered with Android AGPS is not turned ON. You have to go to the settings to find this option. Once enabled, AGPS will automatically connect to the nearest assisted server, download or cache required maps to help you track down the exact location.
Q: Can AGPS help in tracking friends and relatives?
A: No! AGPS can only track your exact location. You cannot spy or trace any person through their mobile number or device information. You can only do this using remote location tracking apps, which must be installed on both the parties involved — you and your friend (or relative). More on this is explained on our website.
Q: Does AGPS work on extremely dense places?
A: If GPS doesn’t work underwater, or in closed buildings, dense places surrounded with trees, etc. then do not expect AGPS to work either. As explained earlier, AGPS is an extension to GPS.
It is also important to note that AGPS uses proximity of cell phone towers to calculate position when the GPS signals are unavailable in certain location.
Q: Can AGPS new technology work on any device?
A: AGPS is used only on smartphones and tablets, as these devices have cellular networks and nearest cell phone towers.