[Leica] Re: Wi-fi and Bluetooth

[len-1 at comcast.net (Leonard Taupier)]

Lets make things a little simpler.

1. If you have only 1 computer and a cable or DSL modem you don't  
need a router. Just connect your computer to the modem via ethernet  
cable.

2. If you have more than 1 computer at nearly the same location you  
will need a router to connect to both computers. The router then  
connects to the modem, all via ethernet cable.

3. If you have more than 1 computer located in other rooms or on a  
different floor, the preferred interface would be  to go wireless and  
create a local area network. This consists of a router that connects  
to the modem via ethernet cable and to the various computers via  
wireless 802.11G (or older B) wireless cards.

In my home I have 2 Apple computers, 1 Windows computer and a laptop  
connected wireless to my cable modem. When my son visits he has  
802.11G built into his powerbook. As soon as he turns it on he's  
connected to my network.

4. Bluetooth is a short distance protocol used to connect accessories  
to larger devices. The wireless headset connects to my cell phone via  
Bluetooth. My wireless mouse and keyboard connect to my iMac via  
Bluetooth.

Len Taupier
RF Design Manager
Motorola Inc.


(now retired)


On Dec 12, 2006, at 7:59 PM, Lawrence Zeitlin wrote:

>
> On Dec 12, 2006, at 6:37 PM, Monte wrote:
>
>> I get Bluetooth, but
>> what the hell is Wi-Fi 802.11g??  Thanks again for the help!
>
>
> Wi-Fi is the generic name for the RF link between computers and a  
> local area network (WLAN) router. Enough of the gobbledegook here.  
> Your cable or DSL wideband iink to the internet terminates in a  
> modem which separates the internet signal from the TV and/or phone  
> signals. The modem, in turn, is attached to a router which usually  
> offers both wired and wireless connection to the computer(s) at  
> that location. The RF signal is at 2.4Gz, a band set aside by the  
> FCC for a variety of uses including communication and  
> (unfortunately) microwave ovens. The IEEE designation for one form  
> of communication in this band is 802.11. There are several flavors  
> and speeds of devices operating under the 802.11 designation. The  
> oldest and most common is 802.11b. This has a maximum throughput of  
> about 11Mb/second but is usually slower. It is the kind implemented  
> in first generation Wi-Fi systems including Apple's original  
> Airport. It tends to have a relatively long range, up to 300 ft.  
> without an external antenna. 802.11g is a faster implementation in  
> the same band. It can speed up to 54Mb/sec. Newer computers are  
> equipped with 802.11g cards. Apple's Airport Extreme is of this  
> type. Both systems degrade gradually by slowing down if the range  
> is too great or the signal is poor. The earlier system is  
> compatible with the later system but only at the 11Mb speed.  
> Because every 802.11 system can operate at the slower speed, that  
> is the one used in Starbucks and most public places. Wi-Fi is still  
> in development but the two described are the most used.
>
> Bluetooth is a very low power short range system (about 30 ft.)  
> which is intended to connect devices to a local computer without  
> using a wire.
>
> If you are connected to the internet by a wideband link, the  
> fastest way to get signals to your computer is by a wire directly  
> to the modem or router. Ethernet cables can handle over 100Mb/sec.  
> And they are extremely cheap and reliable. Most modern computers,  
> including all Apples, come with a built in ethernet capability. Wi- 
> Fi is mostly for portability and convenience.
>
> Larry Z
>
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