When we think of wireless in our home most of us think of Internet -
great! But what other uses are there for wireless devices in and around
the home?
First, there is the most popular version of home wireless known as WiFi,
short for ‘wireless fidelity’. WiFi is used to create
a wireless network or hotspot in
order to offer Internet access simultaneously to multiple computer users. At
the home, one single high speed connection can be shared to several PC’s
at one time without any of them interfering with each others productivity. Similar
flavors can be found in coffee shops, offices, airports, schools, hotels
and other public places; these services are generally free although some
charge a nominal fee.
Second,
there is another type of wireless networking called Bluetooth that
allows multiple devices to be connected together in a mini network. Electronics
like PC’s, laptops, MP3
players, headsets, PDA’s,
printers, cell phones, keyboards and mice, scanners, digital cameras
and home appliances can communicate without the need for wires. Transfer
rates for data are moderately slow but sufficient enough for most typical
applications. Bluetooth is an attempt to replace infrared (IrDA) based
signals that typically require that devices be in direct line of site
such as a remote control.
Lastly, another wireless method entails using the existing 120VAC wiring
in a house. This technology sends short radio frequency bursts
that represent digital data. The only requirements are communication
modules that are placed on the same ‘house code’. With
this set-up, alarm systems, lamps, light timers, outdoor motion sensors,
dimmers and appliances can be controlled from one central panel. And
yes, there is a module that plugs into one of your computer’s
USB ports that allows communication of all these devices to your PC. This
would easily allow you to control most devices in the house from a
single remote location, whether in your bedroom, or from any where
in the world by using the Internet.
