Bluetooth Connects Wireless Networking

Bluetooth is not the first wireless technology. The reliable and cheap infrared wireless technology was invented in 1998. However, on the downside, two devices using infrared must be within 'line-of-sight', that is, you have to aim it at the receiving device, also infrared is strictly a one-to-one relationship and doesn't allow connection with multiple devices simultaneously.

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) is a close cousin of the Bluetooth; they both use the same wireless technology to communicate. That's where the similarities end. WiFi was designed to provide wireless data connectivity while Bluetooth was designed to provide wireless device connectivity to networking and internet.

Bluetooth uses a tiny microchip, which functions as a radio transmitter and receiver. Due to the size of the microchip, the Bluetooth device will only work with other devices up to 10 meters away. It is possible, however, to boost the range to 100 meters but that would also increase the power consumption.

Though Bluetooth represents futuristic wireless technology, the name 'Bluetooth' is actually 10 centuries old. Named after a Scandinavian King, Harald Bluetooth, who managed to unite several unruly kingdoms, Bluetooth refers to the taming of myriad unruly competing standards by defining one worldwide specification. Bluetooth was founded by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba, the group that dubbed itself the Bluetooth SIG (Special Interest Group). Now, there are over 2,000 companies providing Bluetooth solutions worldwide.

When shopping around for a Bluetooth-enabled device, just be on the lookout for the official Bluetooth logo, which indicates that the device complies with Bluetooth standards.

Bluetooth devices can be connected to either many-to-one networking or one-to-one networking. An example of the former is a computer using a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard at the same time. An example of the latter is a mobile phone connected to a Bluetooth headset.

Today, it is all about being wireless and Bluetooth allows users to be free of cables and wires. When you travel, you don't have to worry about keeping track of a bagful of cables and you can design your office without worrying about the length of cables and hiding them.

The great thing about Bluetooth is that it is so simple that a non-techie can set it up. Bluetooth doesn't require any special configuration. All you have to do is turn on the Bluetooth and the devices will find one another and connect automatically.

There are hundreds of devices available today that use Bluetooth as a means of wireless connection to networking. However, is Bluetooth right for you? It all boils down to personal preference. As usual, technology and convenience come at a price, so a Bluetooth-enabled device can be more expensive than a conventional wired contraption. If you want to get rid of the wires and are willing to pay for it, Bluetooth-enabled devices gives you that choice.

If you want to send files to your PC and do the sync without messy cables, look out for the Bluetooth feature in your PDA. If you want your cell phone to be able to talk wirelessly to your headset or send files to and from your PDA or PC, you need one with Bluetooth capabilities.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Networking

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Wireless Access To Networking Via EDGE

WiFi has captured the imagination of road warriors; young urbanites who need to have access to networking and internet while on the move. You see them hanging out at high-end coffee outlets like Starbucks and San Francisco Coffee House.

However, not all places have WiFi internet access. Then, there is also the problem of different WiFi plans. Let's say you are in a place where there is WiFi access, but access is not free. You can't just buy a cup of coffee and WiFi access over the counter. So, you must be subscribed to a plan with the service provider.

Clearly, WiFi is inadequate if you want true wireless access to networking and internet wherever you go. Fortunately, there is a solution, it's called EDGE. EDGE stands for Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution. It boosts data transfer rates on existing GPRS networks significantly (it is three times the speed of GPRS).

GPRS, which stands for General Packet Radio Service, is a wireless technology for mobile networks that offers data transmission rates up to 20kbps or 30kbps as well as continuous connection to the network.

To use EDGE, you will need to buy an EDGE-capable phone. Next, you need to subscribe to the service provider. This gives you unlimited access to networking and the internet. Finally, you will need to buy a Bluetooth dongle to attach to your laptop via the USB port. It is advisable that you get a dealer to configure your cell phone and laptop for you. It is actually quite complicated to set up.

Once everything is set up, you can surf the net literally anywhere and when you are outside the WiFi area, you can still surf the net provided you are in an area where there is GPRS. It is a bit slower but with the EDGE subscription, you get unlimited access via GPRS at no additional cost.

Surfing is easy. Just stick the Bluetooth dongle into your laptop's USB port. Then click on the dial-up icon. Within a few seconds, you will be connected to networking and the internet and can start surfing.

Unlike infrared technology, Bluetooth does not need to be within line-of- sight for the connection to work. So, your cell phone can stay in your pocket or your bag. You don't have to take it out at all.

Bear in mind that when you are connected to the net via EDGE, the power consumption is quite high, so don't expect to be able to surf continuously all day long on one battery. After several hours online, your cell phone will need a new charge. Still, you are looking at least four or five hours of continuous connection before the battery drains. That's quite a lot of surfing time.

With EDGE, users can download videos, send big files, take picture at higher resolutions and even attach voice or text to these; all on their mobile phones, while on the move. Users also able to upload multimedia content from their mobile phone to a website page via MMS. The multimedia content can then be shared with an unlimited number of people.

However, the most practical use for EDGE is to allow people to access the net on their laptops via their EDGE-capable phone (which effectively acts as a modem). With this set up in place, users can at last be truly mobile and connected, anywhere, anytime.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Networking

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Michael Russell - EzineArticles Expert Author

Palm Or Pocket Pc For Scanning Your Car Computer

Did you know that you can use your Palm or Pocket PC PDA to scan your car computer? Also, you need Open source software like OBDii Gauge software package and they are free. OBDii Gauge. Going to car dealer to remove your Check engine light on your car is an expensive solution. Carplugs ELMScan5 with serial port and OBD2 Gauge makes a great solution for car computer scanning. Here is some background on the OBD2 connector in your car:

The OBD-II Diagnostic Connector The OBD-II specification provides for a standardized hardware interface—the female 16-pin (2×8) J1962 connector. Unlike the OBD-I connector, which was sometimes found under the hood of the vehicle, the OBD-II connector is always located on the driver’s side of the passenger compartment near the center console. SAE J1962 defines the pinout of the connector as:

1-
2 Bus positive Line of SAE-J1850
3-
4 Chassis ground
5 Signal ground
6 CAN high (ISO 15765-4 and SAE-J2234)
7 K line of ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4
8-
9-
10 Bus negative Line of SAE-J1850
11-
12-
13-
14 CAN low (ISO 15765-4 and SAE-J2234)
15 L line of ISO 9141-2 and ISO 14230-4
16 Battery voltage

The assignment of unspecified pins is left to the vehicle manufacturer’s discretion

So in conclusion, you can use your old Palm PDA or Pocket PC to remove and diagnostic your car onboard computer. You need an interface, a cable and also a PDA instead of a Laptop computer. I almost forgot about the software you need to read your onboard computer. It is that simple.

http://www.carplugs.com, Home of the OBD2 connector Online, Carplugs

Mario I.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mario_Iacobaccio