Wireless Communication Methods

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Wireless Communication Methods

• Chapter 3

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This presentation will

• Help you understand different types of wireless
  communication methods including
• Bluetooth
• Radio
• It will help you understand their advantages and
  disadvantages and typical applications.

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Introduction

• There are many way of communicating between
  devices.
• Some methods make use of wireless technology to
  transmit data from one source to another source.

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Bluetooth

• Bluetooth is a protocol which allows wireless
  transmissions to take place.
• It works by transmitting data over the 2.5Ghz
  radio frequency (between TV and satellite
  frequencies!)
• There are 3 confirmed versions
• Version 1.2 1Mbps
• Version 2.0 2Mbps
• Version 3.0 21 Mbps
• You can see the difference in speed here
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vEha7RcHs_TE

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Bluetooth

• It works at a range of about 10 metres (like
  infrared).
• The big difference between Bluetooth and infrared
  is that Bluetooth does not require line of sight
  whereas infrared does.
• You can find Bluetooth on lots of different kinds
  of technology including
• Mobile phones
• Laptops
• Headsets
• Console controllers

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Bluetooth

• Typical Bluetooth applications include
• Bluetooth headsets used to allow for hands free
  communication to take place using a mobile phone
  or games console.
• Transferring files between two mobile phones.
• Connecting a mobile phone to a PC so that it can
  act as a modem for the laptop

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Bluetooth
Pros Cons
Widely accepted standard and can be found on many mobile devices such as mobile phones and laptops. Transfer speeds are slower than other wireless devices.
Does not require line of sight in order to work. Maximum range of about 10 metres.
Does have security measures in place to prevent non-authorised access to devices. You can connect only 2 devices together at any one time. For example, if you are using a Bluetooth hands free headset and want to send your friend a picture using Bluetooth, you would have to disconnect your headset before connecting to your friends mobile phone.
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Radio

• Transmitting data using radio frequencies has
  been around for ages...
• But over the years we have got better and better
  at transmitting data and the types of data.
• Wi-Fi networks make use of the IEEE 802.11
  standard.

Standard Bit Rate (Mbit/s) Indoor Range Outdoor Range
802.11a 54 15 metres 30 metres
802.11b 11 45 metres 90 metres
802.11g 54 45 metres 90 metres
802.11n 600 70 metres 250 metres
Note Other standards are in the pipeline. For
more information visit http//en.wikipedia.org/wi
ki/IEEE_802.11 (scroll down to standard and
amendments)
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Radio

• Typical applications of Wi-Fi technology include
• Wireless-enabled laptops being able to connect to
  an organisations network.
• Laptops and smart-phones connecting to hotspots
  to access the internet.
• Wireless devices connecting to home networks.
• Connecting devices such as scanners and printers
  to the home network wirelessly.
• Connecting games consoles to the internet.

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Radio
Pros Cons
No need for cables to connect devices to one another. Transfer rates are slower than hard-wired connections.
Allows for devices to be portable. Range is restricted indoors and the range can vary depending on the density and materials of the walls.
Line of sight is not required. Lots of wireless devices connected to the network can reduce bandwidth speeds.
Users can save money by using one device at home and at work rather than having two separate devices. Security is an issue as wireless communications can be intercepted. This means encryption is really important but this also results in slower data transfer speeds as more data needs to be sent!
Transfer rates are ok for most uses. Security is an issue as wireless communications can be intercepted. This means encryption is really important but this also results in slower data transfer speeds as more data needs to be sent!
Because the standard is set in stone...it means any wireless device can connect to a wireless network. Security is an issue as wireless communications can be intercepted. This means encryption is really important but this also results in slower data transfer speeds as more data needs to be sent!
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Activity

• Describe the following wireless communication
  methods
• Bluetooth
• Radio
• Remember Identify, Amplify and Exemplify
• Complete the following table

Method Advantage Disadvantage Where is it used?
Bluetooth
Radio
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Example exam questions

• Describe two applications of Bluetooth.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
  Bluetooth.
• Describe three applications of wireless
  communication.
• Why are standards necessary for wireless
  networks?
• Why is encryption necessary on a wireless network?