We bring together the most relevant Electronics Weekly content on a range of wireless technologies:
Bluetooth
Wireless generally refers to an electronic process which is carried out without the use of a wired connection. Wireless communication is the transmission of information without the need of electrical conductors of any kind. The distances that wireless networks have been known to operate in can range from a few metres to thousands of kilometres.
Bluetooth, also known as IEEE 802.15.1, has seen its popularity skyrocket as the personal area network (PAN) technology is now embedded in almost all mobile phones. From a rather shaky beginning, largely related to product interoperability problems, the technology continues to be enhanced. Bluetooth generally has a short range from 1m to 100m although this can be increased Bluetooth to operate over 1km.
Latest News on Bluetooth
| Wireless technology | Range | Standard | Frequency |
| Bluetooth | 1m - 1km | IEEE 802.15.1 | 2.4 - 2.4835 GHz |
| WiFi | Up to 45m - 90m + | IEEE 802.11a
IEEE 802.11b
IEEE 802.11g | 2.4 - 5 GHz |
| WiMax | Up to 16km - 50km | IEEE 802.16d
IEEE 802.16e | 2 - 66 GHz |
| ZigBee | 10 - 100m | IEEE 802.15.4 | 868 MHz - 2.4 GHz |
| Wibree | 10m | | 2.4 GHz |
Figure 1: Table of range and standard for several wireless technologies.
WiFi
The number of WiFi hotspots has multiplied in recent years with practically every coffee shop and pub now offering access to this local area network (LAN) technology. Prices have fallen and data rates are rising as the technology moves onwards and upwards towards 802.11n which promises typical data rates of 74Mbit/s in 2009.
Latest News on WiFi
Ofcom
The official watchdog of the communications industry, Ofcom (Office of Communications) was created by the UK Government in response to the increasing consolidation of broadcast and communications technologies. In 2003 the regulator took over the roles previously held by Oftel, the Independent Television Commission, the Radio Authority, the Broadcasting Standards Commission and the Radiocommunications Agency.
Latest News on Ofcom
WiMax
WiMax, (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. In its current version it is a 'fixed wireless access' technology which means the equipment it transmits data between is fixed in place. The next version of the standard, 802.16e, will allow for equipment to be moving while receiving and transmitting. South Korea already has a version of mobile WiMAX which is called WiBro.
Latest News on WiMax
ZigBee
ZigBee is a low power, low data rate, personal area network (PAN) wireless technology, based on the IEEE 8-2.15.4 standard. It is most commonly deployed for home, building and industrial automation, for applications such as providing a connection between a switch and a light bulb when it is not practical to fit cabling. It can support star and mesh topology networks and the networks can form themselves.
Latest News on ZigBee
Wibree
Developed by Nokia in 2001 and released commercially in 2006, Wibree is an ultra low power, short range wireless technology designed for devices which operate from a coin cell battery, such as watches, keyboards, and gaming and sports sensors. These devices can be hooked up to Bluetooth-capable host devices, such as PCs or phones. It was brought into the Bluetooth stable in June 2007 when it was renamed Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth and will be further developed as a Bluetooth standard.
Latest News on Wibree