Bluetooth & WiFi Wireless Protocols

Wireless Protocols

Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11x)

Primarily associated with computer networking, Wi-Fi uses the IEEE 802.11x specification to create a wireless local-area network either public or private. A Wi-Fi network consists of a wireless connection to wireless access point (WAP) that is normally connected to a wired network. Wi-Fi range is generally wide enough for most homes or small offices, and for larger campuses or homes, range extenders may be placed strategically to extend the signal.

Over time the Wi-Fi standard has evolved, with each updated version faster than the last. Current devices usually use the 802.11n or 802.11ac versions of the spec, but backwards compatibility ensures that an older laptop can still connect to a new Wi-Fi router. However, to see the fastest speeds, both the computer and the router must use the latest 802.11 version.

A number of different standards exist to provide data communications services across the RF spectrum. These present additional risks from monitoring and interference (denial of service).

However, these technologies are in great demand to support mobile communications and in locations where managing a physical infrastructure is difficult or impossible.

Broadband Over Powerline (BPL)

Economic theory suggests that markets do not experience true competition until there are at least three competitors for a good or service. In some environments, BPL provides an alternative to the telco/ cable duopoly and remains an attractive option when supported by the electrical power grid. Delivering broadband over the existing low- and medium-voltage electric power distribution network, BPL speeds are comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds.

Very effective in homes where the communications devices can be connected through the home power wiring, BPL was envisioned to deliver broadband throughout rural, residential and light business areas via the existing electrical power distribution system (see figure).

Field trials in several nations, however, have shown that scaling BPL beyond small test deployments is difficult to achieve, as it has been actively opposed by the traditional bandwidth providers and other users of radio frequency spectrum concerned with interference.

While BPL may not be a cost-effective way to meet growing consumer and business needs for higher bandwidth internet services in many markets, it may be an ideal solution for niche applications.

In 2019, the lEEE adopted a revised BPL standard which used frequency division multiplexing to support Internet of Things (loT) applications. This may provide a viable alternative to other dedicated data technologies that run on a separate media from the power distribution grid.

Internet

Bluetooth was originally conceived by

While both Wi-Fi and cellular networks Ericsson in 1994. Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, enable connections to anywhere in the and Toshiba formed the Bluetooth Special world, Bluetooth is much more local with Interest Group (SIG), a not-for-profit trade the stated purpose of "replacing the cables connecting devices," according to association developed to drive development the official Bluetooth website. Bluetooth of Bluetooth products and serve as the governing body for Bluetooth specifications.

uses a low- power signal with a maximum Bluetooth is standardized within the IEEE range of 100 meters (330 feet), primarily 802.15 Working Group for Wireless used in industrial environments. The range Personal Area Networks (WPANs) that depends on the power class of the devices formed in 1999 as IEEE 802.15.1-2002. being used. In Bluetooth networks this is typically Class 2 that has a range of 10

Bluetooth wireless technology is an open meters (33 feet) but with sufficient speed standard for short-range radio frequency to enable transmission of high-fidelity communication used primarily to establish music and streaming video.

wireless personal area networks (WPANs) and has been integrated into many types of

As with other wireless technologies, business and consumer devices. Bluetooth speed increases with each revision of its standard, but it requires upto-date equipment at both ends to deliver the highest possible speed. Also, the latest Bluetooth revisions can use maximum power only when it's required, preserving battery life.

One well-known example of wireless broadband is WiMAX. Although WiMAX can potentially deliver data rates of more than 30Mbps, providers offer average data rates of 6Mbps and often deliver less, making the service significantly slower than hard-wired broadband. The advent of other wireless technology that includes emerging 5G specifications and Long Term Evolution (LTE) replaced much of the effort put into developing WiMAX solutions. This technology is heavily used outside the U.S. and in industries such as aviation where establishing a physical infrastructure is difficult or cost-prohibitive.

Satellite Network

Just as satellites orbiting Earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband and is also useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas.

Downstream and upstream speeds for satellite broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package purchased, the consumer's line of sight to the orbiting satellite, and the weather. Service can be disrupted in extreme weather conditions, and the communication latencies and packet loss are generally greater than other forms of broadband.

Reference: https://www.fcc.gov/reports-research/ reports/measuring-broadband-america/measuring-fixedbroadband-eighth-report