Bluetooth and Wi-Fi |
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Key Words:
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Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. |
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The two main technologies that computers can use to communicate wirelessly are listed below:
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Examples: |
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Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the two main ways to connect to networks wirelessly. |
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Remember:
Wirelessly means to connect computers or devices together without using wires or cables.
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We will look at how computers connect to networks using both bluetooth and Wi-Fi and compare the two. |
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| What is Wi-Fi?
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Examples: |
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Wi-Fi allows computers to communicate using radio waves. |
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Wi-Fi hotspots allow devices to share the same internet connection. |
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Wi-Fi signals have a range limit. |
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Wi-Fi allows computers/devices to connect to each other wirelessly, without using cables or wires.
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The computers communicate with each other by using signals that are broadcast using radio waves.
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In order to use Wi-Fi, you need to have access to the internet and a router.
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Areas where computers/devices can access the internet using Wi-Fi are known as hotspots.
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Routers are commonly used to provide a hotspot for other computers to connect to the internet.
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The router will be connected to the internet through an ISP (Internet Service Provider) and will transmit a wireless signal that wireless devices nearby can tap into.
This allows multiple devices to share the same internet connection.
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Routers can only broadcast the wireless signal over a limited distance. If a device is out of range, it will not be able to tap into the signal.
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The range limit of a typical router is between 50m and 100m.
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How do computers connect to a Wi-Fi network? |
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In order to connect to a network using Wi-Fi you would need:
- A computer or device
- A wireless network interface card (Wi-Fi is built-in with many modern devices)
- Access to a wireless hotspot (usually through a router).
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What is Bluetooth?
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Examples: |
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Bluetooth networks are known as 'personal networks' because devices have to be close together in order to connect. (click to zoom) |
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When Bluetooth is switched on, your device will search for other Bluetooth devices to connect to. |
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Bluetooth hand-free headsets make driving much safer . |
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Bluetooth is also known as a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
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Bluetooth is a form of wireless technology that uses radio waves to transfer data over distances of between 1 and 100 metres.
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Devices that have this technology contain one of three classes of Bluetooth:
- Class 1 - Most powerful - can transmit data up to 100m
- Class 2 - Most common - can transmit data up to 10m
- Class 3 - Least powerful - can transmit data up to 1m.
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How do computers connect to a Bluetooth network? |
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In order to connect to a network using Bluetooth you would:
- Need a computer or device with bluetooth technology
- Turn bluetooth on using your device's settings
- Let your device scan for other bluetooth devices in range
- Send a request to the other bluetooth to 'pair' (join) with it
- Once paired, you could share data between the devices (while in range).
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Uses of Bluetooth: |
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Bluetooth has a wide-range of uses. some of these are sumamrised in the table below:
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Use input/output devices wirelessly |
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Devices like keyboards, mice, printers and speakers can be connected to a computer system without the need for messy wires.
(This can help prevent physical hazards like tripping and helps keep your workspace neat) |
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Sharing mobile phone data between devices |
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Data like contact numbers can easily be transfered from one phone to another.
(This is perfect if you get a new mobile phone and don't want to re-enter your contact information) |
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Connecting to hands-free headsets |
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Wireless headsets allow people to talk into their mobile phones whilst driving.
(This frees up their hands and allows them to concentrate on driving - much safer) |
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