Infrared And
Bluetooth: Connecting Things Easier
by: Robert Thatcher
With different electrical devices produced everyday, the
problem of connecting things is becoming more and more complex.
The system that comprises the computers and other electronic
devices makes use of varieties of connecting wires, cables and the
likes. These parts communicate trough light beams, lasers, radio
signals and infrared. However, the problem with this devices and
technologies is often the connection between each component. Thus,
most systems are not used to their full extent due to
complexities.
To simplify things, a solution was created to streamline the
process of connections- bluetooth.
Bluetooth is wireless and automatic and offers users with
varieties of excellent features that has recreated the art of
connection. It has revolutionized the standard method of
connecting things that virtually anything can be connected on a
single system. From computers to mobile phones and from keyboards
to headphones by means of wireless, automatic and inexpensive
connection.
Other than the bluetooth technology, there are other ways of
connecting things. Take for example the infrared or IR. It allows
low frequency light waves which the eye can no longer interpret to
transmit signals to another component. The technology is easy to
create and cost of incorporating the IR device into a system is in
barest minimum. Yet it has limited operations that seldom
obstructs the process of connection.
Infrared technology is one to one process. Due to this
limitation, you may only send signals from one component to
another, like the case of the television set and the remote
control. The same is true between laptops and desktops. You may
only transmit signals between the two but not with another
separate system, say a PDA through simultaneous actions.
It also works only on the line of sight principle wherein one
has to point the infrared device directly to the host system to
achieve a desirable result.
In spite of the fact that these two natures of infrared
technology are obstacles to acquiring results, these same
qualities have worked in advantage to connection. Because infrared
devices need to be lined up directly on opposing locations, too
little interference occurs between transmitters and receivers. The
one to one principle on the other hand is designed to transmit
signals only to the original recipient. Given that there are
varieties of infrared recipients in a location, the intended
recipient alone will receive the signal coming from a transmitter.
However, technology was not contented with what infrared
offers. They resolved these limitations through creating the
bluetooth solution.
Bluetooth technology works by transmitting signals via low
frequency radio signals. The path of communication is
approximately working on 2.45 gigahertz. The same frequency band
is utilized in ISM devices.
The design of the technology was such that it has created a new
system that does not interfere with the other devices that make
use of the same frequency band (e.g. ISM). One way of doing this
is the programming of the bluetooth technology to only transmit
signals that has 1 milliwatt or less. Beyond this, other systems
may be affected. By comparison, cell phones and other mobile
devices send signals at a rate of 3 milliwatts and more.
The standard range of the bluetooth is around ten meters. This
lessens the possibility that interference between device may
occur. With this low transmission, it is still possible for the
user to transmit bluetooth signals between obstructing walls.
Bluetooth in many ways have contributed much in connecting
individual systems without being bothered by the bulk of the
cables and wires.