Smartphones like the Apple iPhone act like both ordinary cell
phones and computers within the same device. You can make calls and you
can also surf the Internet. This is because the iPhone essentially has
two processors; the operating system (or OS) that processes Internet and
mobile functions and the baseband that operates as a cell phone's
antenna would.
Essential Functions
The iPhone's baseband manages functions that would ordinarily
require an antenna. This includes receiving and placing phone calls and
picking up the signal from cell phone towers. The baseband also operates
the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities of the iPhone.
Firmware Updates
Whenever Apple updates the baseband firmware, it is done separately
from the OS's firmware updates because both are individual components
of the iPhone. These updates are installed automatically whenever you
perform a soft reset; that is, when you turn your phone off and then on
again.
Baseband Bootloader
This is the code that runs the iPhone's baseband; it verifies the
baseband's signature and uploads any new baseband firmware updates. The
bootloader should not be confused with the baseband itself.
Hacking and Jailbreaking
If you choose to hack or jailbreak your iPhone, you must hack both
the OS and the baseband firmware. If you only modify the OS and leave
the baseband firmware un-hacked, you will not be able to make and
receive phone calls on the device.
About the Author
Lindsay Howell has been writing since 2003. Her works have been
featured in "Bittersweet," her campus literary magazine. Howell has a
Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Frostburg State University.
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