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
http://www.zibb.com/all/search/newsblogs?q=&f=(%22Bluetooth%22)+AND+domain%3aelectronicsweekly+AND+rbtitle%3a%22Bluetooth%22&dt=all&s=date¶m=rss
| 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
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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
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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
http://www.zibb.com/all/search/newsblogs?q=&f=(%22WiMax%22)+AND+domain%3aelectronicsweekly+AND+rbtitle%3a%22WiMax%22&dt=all&s=date¶m=rss
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
http://www.zibb.com/all/search/newsblogs?q=&f=(%22Zigbee%22)+AND+domain%3aelectronicsweekly+AND+rbtitle%3a%22Zigbee%22&dt=all&s=date¶m=rss
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
http://www.zibb.com/all/search/newsblogs?q=&f=(%22Wibree%22)+AND+domain%3aelectronicsweekly+AND+rbtitle%3a%22Wibree%22&dt=all&s=date¶m=rss