USB Wireless
The WUSB, also called the USB Wireless is a method to communicate using the radio waves on a high bandwidth protocol. However, the technology is also called “certified wireless USB”.
Technical specifications of the USB Wireless
- short range
- 480 Mb/second – 3 meters
- 110 Mb/second – 10 meters
- Frequency range of 3.1 to 10. 6 GHz
Usage of USB Wireless
The USB Wireless feature is widely used by electronic devices such as console gaming, cameras, MP3 and MP 4 players. However, the technology advanced with an important step when Kingston released in 2008 the first docking station based on this principle.
However, the technology still has its disadvantages. The line of sight is affected by any obstacle at 60 GHz. The technology based on this 60 GHz feature looks great for the video game producers, as it is supposed that nothing blocks the signal from the game controller to the receiver, while the USB Wireless is practically useless for some important areas. the system requires large quantities of data to be transferred in a short period, so the 60 GHz USB Wireless connection consumes energy and processor capacity.
The USB Wireless Group
The Group is formed by Agere, HP, Microsoft and some other electronic manufacturers, and it has the purpose of promoting this technology and investing in its development. The specifications for this technology were given to publicity in 2006. The USA authorities approved this technology a few months later, and it is now available as a device based on the USB Wireless solution manufactured by WiQuest. The device is used both for outdoor and indoor purposes, and the technology is widely used today. The first products shipped to the clients included cards and adapter solutions available from Dell and Kingston. The first product of this kind was revolutionary, as it was the first time when a vide file was transferred between two terminals with an USB Wireless connection.
USB Wireless development perspectives
Imation is the first manufacturer to release an External Wireless HDD. However, in 2009, the WiQuest alliance transferred all its prerogatives to the Bluetooth Interest Group. This group tried to develop the technology even more, especially considering their experience with the USB connections.
The technology allows almost 130 devices to connect to a single host at the same time. The hubs is obsolete now because of this feature, but for migration purposes, the Wire Adapters were introduced. This way, the common USB 2.0 devices are able to connect to an existing network. Moreover, the technology also allows dual-role. This is why a telephone can work as a USB hard drive when connected to a computer, and a host is able to send a picture directly to a printer.
Differences between UWB and USB Wireless
UWB is a new type of radio communication method using frequencies of 500 MHz and more. Sometimes, the concepts of UWB and USB are confused by people, but there are two different types of communication methods. UWB is used for radars, and home entertainment devices, while USB is used for PC connections and gaming.