The prevalence of WiFi (802.11b) high-speed networking has led to more companies requiring solutions that eliminate the need for cables completely. In turn this has created a demand for the short-range networking functionality delivered by technologies such as Bluetooth.
Up to a few months ago, integrating different wireless technologies was described as a wireless design no-no. However, all this has changed with the introduction of 802blue.
According to Graham Vorster, chief technology officer at South African network distributor Duxbury Networking, 802blue combines two of the fastest growing wireless technologies, enabling a new level of computing mobility.
"Bluetooth and WiFi technologies are increasingly being integrated into devices, and now users want both at the same time."
A recent report by In-Stat/MDR states that notebook PCs featuring Bluetooth will exceed eight million this year, and those with WiFi three million - totalling 11 million.
"With 802blue, OEMs [original equipment manufacturers] can leverage off Bluetooth and WiFi`s individual strengths, integrating the technologies into notebook PCs, PDAs and other access points."
So how does 802blue integrate WiFi and Bluetooth? Vorster explains that the technology eliminates interference in the 2.4GHz band while maintaining connectivity and system throughput, range and responsiveness.
"This enables PC-based Bluetooth applications such as mouse, keyboard, printing, file transfer and portable device synchronisation to run at the same time the user`s PC is connected to a server via WiFi."
Notebook PCs are typically configured with two antennas for WiFi. However, the 802blue antenna-switching matrix lets WiFi choose its best antenna, based on diversity, and connects the other antenna to Bluetooth.
He says: "With the antenna-switching matrix, manufacturers don`t have to redesign their notebook chassis. A single RF switch is added, which allows Bluetooth to share one of the two antennas embedded in WiFi-enabled notebooks."
"This biggest benefit of this is that manufacturers who already have WiFi antennas can easily add Bluetooth capability."
Additionally, Bluetooth performance is enhanced as the shared WiFi antennas are located in the optimal RF location.
802blue is also compatible with coexistence methods that are likely to be added to the two standards in the coming years such as Adaptive Frequency Hopping.
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