Wireless technologies are equipment that allows communication between different devices without the us of cables. There are a variety of Wireless technologies available for Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) communication that can be incorporated in hardware goods.

For 802.15 technologies, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has set up seven work groups. These organizations provide standards for common wireless technologies used in personal area networks.

Body Area Networks, Visible Light Communication, WPAN/Bluetooth, Low Rate WPAN, Coexistence, and Mesh Networking are among the 802.15 task groups. Each IEEE protocol has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Promising advancements broaden the scope of their possible applications and uses.

IEEE 802.15.4: What is ZigBee?

ZigBee is an open worldwide standard created primarily for usage in M2M networks, and it is now gaining traction in the LPWAN group. The Technology is low-cost to operate and requires little power, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of industrial applications. Low latency and duty cycle are provided by the technology, allowing items to get the most out of their batteries.

The ZigBee protocol employs AES encryption with a 128-bit key size. Mesh networks, which connect nodes over several channels, also use the technology. The wireless technology is expected to be used in smart home gadgets in the future. The capacity of the technology to connect several devices at once makes it ideal for a connected home setting where consumers may want smart locks, lights, robotics, and thermostats to communicate with one another.

The ZigBee Alliance recently standardized the technology in the hopes of facilitating this networking. Currently, all ZigBee devices are unable to communicate with one another. The objective is that standardization will address this problem and provide a consistent experience for end users.

Many of our customers at Link Labs were formerly ZigBee users who discovered that the range and performance of the technology hindered their applications.

IEEE 802.11: WiFi

Wifi is an internet that allows two systems to communicate by transmitting radio waves. Wifi is used to connect the internet to other devices like tablets, computers and phones. Also it can be used to connect any two pieces of gear.

Around the world, WiFi can use both the 2.4GHz UHF and 5GHz SHF ISM radio bands. The WiFi Alliance certifies some devices, allowing them to be branded as “Wi-Fi Certified.” To achieve that distinction, a product must pass the Alliance’s interoperability certification testing.

802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n all use the 2.4GHz ISM band. Interference on the band can be caused by Bluetooth devices, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. Without an FCC license, devices that operate on either band can be utilized in the United States, but they must still be approved under FCC part 15. The first six channels of frequencies from each are included in the amateur radio band.

IEEE 802.15.1: Bluetooth and BLE

Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are wireless data transfer systems that work over short distances. The technology is often used in small portable devices that connect to customers’ phones and tablets. Bluetooth Low Energy is a type of Bluetooth that uses less power than conventional Bluetooth and is used in hardware such as fitness trackers, smart watches, and other connected devices to wireless data without draining the phone’s battery.

BLE has only recently begun to gain traction. In 2006, Nokia was the first company that presented this type of technology but it wasn’t long enough until 2010, it became a part of Bluetooth standard. Currently, BLE is supported by the majority of computer and smartphone manufacturers. Also the majority of Operating systems like Windows 8, Andriod, iOS, Windows Phone, Linux and OSX.

For data transfer, Bluetooth uses UHF radio waves. Bluetooth-related businesses are frequently members of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The organization, which presently has over 20,000 members, must approve a product before it can be sold to consumers or businesses as a Bluetooth device. This certification ensures that all Bluetooth devices operate in a consistent manner and provide consumers with a consistent experience.

IEEE 802.16: WiMax

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) is the acronym for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Data may be transferred at a rate of 30-40 megabits per second using this wireless technology. The word refers to the IEEE 802.16 wireless family’s compatible implementations. Several mobile operators, including Sprint, employed the technology to transmit wireless data to their customers in the past. Sprint, like many other carriers that utilised the technology, has since moved to speedier LTE 4G networks for data transmission.

Before devices can be offered to consumers or businesses, the WiMax Forum certifies them.

Although WiMax devices can be used both indoors and outdoors, they often produce a better signal when utilized outside or near a window.

Symphony Link is a new form of wireless technology developed by Link Labs. Symphony Link addresses several of the above-mentioned technologies’ range and performance limitations.