Author: Brian Ray
Source: CSDN IoT Development
Choosing the right technology is key to success.
Wireless technology allows devices to establish network connections and communicate with each other without the need for wired cables. This article will detail the characteristics of five IEEE protocols.
Various types of wireless network technologies support communication between devices or between devices and the web (TCP/IP network) without cables. Currently, multiple different wireless technologies are applied in hardware products within the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication fields.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has seven 802.15 technical task groups. These organizations set standards for commonly used types of wireless technologies for personal area networks. These 802.15 task groups include: WPAN/Bluetooth, Coexistence, High Rate WPAN, Low Rate WPAN, Mesh Networks, Body Area Networks, and Visible Light Communication.
Each IEEE protocol has its unique advantages and limitations. Continuous investment in development has increased the application value and potential of these protocols.
LPWAN is the fastest-growing organization in current wireless technologies. ZigBee is an open global standard designed for M2M networks.
This technology features low cost and low power consumption, making it an ideal solution for many industrial applications. It also has low latency and low duty cycle characteristics, allowing products to maximize battery life. The ZigBee protocol offers 128-bit AES encryption. Furthermore, this technology supports Mesh networking, allowing network nodes to connect through multiple paths.
The most common application scenario for ZigBee wireless technology is in smart home devices. Its ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously makes it an ideal choice for home network environments, enabling communication between smart locks, lighting, robots, and thermostats.
The ZigBee Alliance has recently standardized this technology, aiming for stronger connectivity and interoperability. Currently, all ZigBee devices cannot directly communicate with ZigBee devices from different manufacturers. It is hoped that the establishment of standards will correct this issue and encourage these devices to provide unified functions for end users.
At Link Labs, many of our customers have previously used ZigBee, but they found that network coverage and performance issues limited the functionality of their applications.
WiFi uses radio waves (RF) to enable communication between two devices. This technology is commonly used to connect computers, tablets, and smartphones to routers for internet access. In fact, it can be used for the connection of any two hardware devices. WiFi is a local wireless network standardized by IEEE under the 802.11 standard.
WiFi can operate in the global 2.4GHz UHF band as well as the 5GHz SHF ISM radio frequency band. The WiFi Alliance certifies certain products, allowing them to be labeled as “Wi-Fi Certified.” To obtain this designation, products must pass the Alliance’s interoperability certification tests.
802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n operate in the 2.4GHz ISM band. This band is susceptible to interference from some Bluetooth devices, as well as some microwaves and mobile phones.
Devices operating in the aforementioned two frequency bands can be used in the United States without an FCC license, but still require FCC Part 15 certification. The first six channels of each band are considered part of the private radio frequency band.
Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) (what’s the difference?) is a wireless technology used for short-range data transmission. This technology is often used in small devices that connect to user smartphones and tablets. For example, this technology is widely used in various voice systems.
Bluetooth Low Energy consumes less power than standard Bluetooth and is used in small hardware like fitness trackers, smartwatches, or other connected devices for wireless data transmission without significantly draining the battery in user smartphones.
BLE has only recently begun to see widespread application. This technology was initially introduced by smartphone manufacturer Nokia in 2006, but did not become part of the Bluetooth standard until 2010. Today, BLE is referred to as smart Bluetooth, and has been supported by most smartphone and computer manufacturers, as well as by most mainstream operating systems including Windows 8, OS X, Linux, Windows Phone, Android, and iOS.
Bluetooth uses UHF radio waves for data transmission. This technology was originally standardized as IEEE 802.15.1, but IEEE no longer maintains this specific standard.
Companies using Bluetooth typically belong to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). This group currently has over 20,000 members and requires product certification before they can market their products as Bluetooth devices to consumers or the commercial market. This certification helps ensure that all Bluetooth devices operate in a standardized manner and provide similar product functionalities to consumers.
WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. This wireless technology allows data to be transmitted at rates of 30-40 megabits per second. This technology specifically implements its interoperability through the IEEE 802.16 wireless family.
Several mobile operators (especially Sprint) have used WiMax to provide wireless data to their customers. However, Sprint and other operators that used this technology have now switched to faster LTE 4G networks for data transmission.
WiMax organizations certify devices before they are sold to consumers or businesses. This technology can be used both indoors and outdoors, but generally, WiMax devices tend to have better signal quality when used outdoors.
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Exhibition Preview
August 16-18, 2017 Shenzhen Convention Center:
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