Wireless Networks and Bluetooth

Wireless Networks

We are witnessing a paradigm shift in communication technology and wireless communication is fast becoming the growing trend. Wireless LANs offer an entirely new level of service which cannot be supported by conventional wired communication and thereby extend the usefulness and performance of technology. Wireless networks have considerably influenced our day today life. The new applications of Wireless networks have drastically improved our connectivity from a limited to an ever-expanding world of information. The birth of cellular technology, infrared and spread spectrum radio services have revolutionized our world of communication. The continuous progress in Wireless technology has made the dream of a mobile workforce already a reality.

Wireless networks imply a wide array of technology that offer different services and operate in different ways. Wireless networks use air as the communication medium and eliminate the system tethers and the associated difficulties. Unlike the wired medium of communication, in a wireless network the disturbances are usually far greater. The success of wireless networks depends on the ability to transmit and receive waves with minimum interference and high reliability. The operational mechanism of the Wireless networks is much similar to the traditional wired communication. Pulses are generated and broadcasted into the medium using a predefined frequency level. Radio waves, Microwaves and Infrared waves are the three different types of waves used in wireless networks. [Wenig.P. Raymond, 1996,11]

The Transceiver is the most important component in a wireless network. The Transceiver can receive as well as transmit signals and is an integral part of the individual computing systems in the Wireless Network. The transceiver performs the function of converting the data from the computer into a suitable format and the reverse process at the receiving end (converting data back into the format of the computer) In a Wireless network there are basically three different types of couplings between the computing systems. They are the 'one to one', 'one to many' and 'many to many' coupling. [Wenig.P. Raymond, 1996, 27]

Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth is a rapidly developing wireless technology that enables us to enjoy total freedom from the constraints of wired communication by removing system tethers. Bluetooth technology will ultimately eliminate cable connectivity and enable wireless link between different variety of the communication gadgets like printers, computers, cell phone, etc. The underlying concept of Bluetooth technology is to enable radio communication between the different portable communication devices and eliminate the need for cables. The technology works by using a small radio chip called the Bluetooth chip in all these individual gadgets. Information transmitted by the Bluetooth chip will be deciphered back by the chip at the receiving end. [Bluetooth Solutions]