Where is Wireless?

[Ioman]

We have just posted a new editorial
Title: Where is wireless?
Date: April 4, 2002
URL: http://www.designtechnica.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=14

If you have any questions or comments about this review please discuss them here.

[ECA]

http://www.bbwexchange.com/wisps/

The only problem I see with Broadband ISP's, is companies DONT know what they are missing. Setup fees are a bit high, but the access isnt limited to THOSE with a phone line, or cable access.

There are a few down sides, but nothing that is insurmountable. Even 56k, has bad days, and cable has bandwidth problems.

[Ioman]

What has surprised me is the lack of Bluetooth support. I am 100% sure that if there was an integrated Bluetooth receiver/transmitter on every motherboard made, there would be a lot more compatible products.

Imagine a printer without wires, or a keyboard and mouse and possibly even a monitor (Sanyo has a wireless TV in production). I mean, this is HUGE technology, and none of it is being taken advantage of.

[dang]

That seems like a sign of high licensing fees.

Anyone know what the licensing fees for blue tooth are?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by dang
That seems like a sign of high licensing fees.

Anyone know what the licensing fees for blue tooth are?

Ahh good thought, that could be the case. Hopefully the liscensing fees don't get in the way like FireWire IEEE1394 did when it was first introduced. Companies like HP and Compaq had to pay Apple royalties for including Firewire ports on their systems.

[ECA]

A consideration.
I find that to many things that are wireless, also run on batteries. When an ITEM doesnt need to be MOVE to the next ROOM, it should have a Plug-in on it. Batteries aint cheap.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by ECA
A consideration.
I find that to many things that are wireless, also run on batteries. When an ITEM doesnt need to be MOVE to the next ROOM, it should have a Plug-in on it. Batteries aint cheap.

Thats not a bad idea, you mean like a rechargable base? You know what would be an even better idea? If they could charge the battery through "Induction" (can't remember what its called, but its when there does not need to be a physical contact to transfer energy. The Panasonic electric razors use this technology.) That would work best. I like the idea of things being wireless, but not if I need a million docking stations on my desk, that would be as pointless as wires everywhere.

[llbbl]

I don't think anyone owns bluetooth. I will have to do some research later, but I believe it is a open standard, unlike 1394 which is owned by Apple. My theory is it entered the market at the wrong time, coupled with the compeition now of wireless 802.11 devices causes the scarcity of devices using that technology. I would also be interested to find out what frequency or range of frequencies it uses to connect at? It is possible that it uses the same unliscenced section of airwaves that every other device uses these days.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by vindisco
I don't think anyone owns bluetooth. I will have to do some research later, but I believe it is a open standard, unlike 1394 which is owned by Apple. My theory is it entered the market at the wrong time, coupled with the compeition now of wireless 802.11 devices causes the scarcity of devices using that technology. I would also be interested to find out what frequency or range of frequencies it uses to connect at? It is possible that it uses the same unliscenced section of airwaves that every other device uses these days.

I think that is where people confus Bluetooth with 802.11b/1/g. They are not meant to compete against each other, but to be used in completely different ways. Bluetooth was/is designed for short range cable replacements as in printer cables, mouse cables, keyboard cables, cell phone interface cables etc...it is not meant for computer networking as in the CAT5 cabling. So I think that people are confusing the two to the point that Bluetooth is losing out. Personally I think Bluetooth is a fantastic technology. I do not know the technical specs, but imagine a wireless monitor! You could technicaly have your computer system 3 meters from your monitor keyboard and mouse. I also like the idea of interfacing your mobile phone to your computer using this technology.

[llbbl]

I doubt bluetooth has enough bandwidth to broadcast video over it. I will do some research on it and get back to you.

http://www.bitpipe.com/data/rlist?t=SOFT_10_100_30_70_6

[llbbl]

Standard Technologies
for Wireless Networking
Bluetooth* Wireless Technology
for Personal Area Networks

Bluetooth Wireless Technology is a global open specification for lowpower, low-cost, radio-based links
between personal computing and productivity tools. Bluetooth client devices connect with each other directly at distances of up to 10 meters, using a highly secure and reliable radio system7 that provides
data transfer rates of up to 1Mbps. This bandwidth is shared among up to seven simultaneously connected devices, which may include Bluetooth-enabled mobile PCs, mobile phones, PDAs and printers. Productivity Benefits of Bluetooth Wireless Technology Business users with Bluetooth connectivity can quickly and easily transfer information between their mobile PC and other personal devices, leading to enhanced productivity and efficiency.

Examples include:

Mobile Internet access from a
notebook PC, using a Bluetoothcompliant
wireless phone as a
modem.

Wireless printing from a Bluetoothenabled
notebook PC and printer.

Cable-free file transfer and data
synchronization (business cards,
documents, calendar
appointments, etc.) between


*Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its
proprietor and used by Intel Corporation
under license.
individuals and workgroups using
Bluetooth-enabled notebooks
and PDAs.

http://www.intel.com/eBusiness/pdf/prod/mobile/p4pm/wp020902.pdf

[llbbl]

Here is another good article with some good graphs.

http://www.intercai.co.uk/copy/news/bluetooth.pdf


AREA FREQUENCY BAND (GHz) BLUETOOTH CHANNELS
USA, Europe and most
other countries
2.400 – 2.4835 79
Spain 2.445 – 2.475 23
France 2.4465 – 2.4835 23


Seems like your going to get interference. Esp if you are running a wireless LAN in your office/home.