Walkie Talkie

• A walkie talkie is essentially a one-way radio that connects to another radio or set of radios. This allows all users to talk with each other, as long as they are on the same frequency. Most walkie talkies have the ability to switch between multiple frequencies, and some can even use encoded frequencies for more private conversations.
  
  

Radio Signals

• Walkie talkies have both receiving and transferring components. They use a simple antennae to pick up radio signals on the frequencies they are set to, and pick up other signals on that same frequency. Basic transducer components turn sound waves from a voice into a brief transmission encoded as a radio signal, which is then translated by other walkie talkies as it is picked up. This allows the devices to communicate over distances without wires.
  
  

Ranges

• Walkie talkie radio range is very short compared with today's cell phones, which use complicated grids to pass along their radio signals. Walkie talkies transmit their own signals and do not have towers, so their signals are limited to one or two miles at the most. Many can only reach a couple thousand feet, although some can be programmed to make use of nearby cell towers or other devices to lengthen the broadcast radius.
  
  

WiFi

• WiFi walkie talkies use WiFi technology to transmit digital codes in radio waves. This technology is similar to traditional walkie talkie radio wave technology, but offers several benefits. In the WiFi format, data transfer rates are much higher, leading to more clear voice representation. WiFi signals can also switch back and forth between multiple frequencies at the same time, which allows users to communicate one on one without needing to protect or change frequencies.
  
  

Uses

• Walkie talkies are still popular at construction sites, shipyards, or on farms where teams need to coordinate activities and projects. In rural areas cell phones are often not available or their cost can be too high to use throughout the day. Walkie talkies are very inexpensive and do not cost as much to operate over time. Organizations such as law enforcement also frequently use walkie talkie technology.