Advances in Wireless Technologies

This document discusses the advancements in wireless technologies such as Wireless HD, ZigBee and WiMAX. It provides an overview of each technology, including their strengths and weaknesses. The document also discusses the growth of mobile devices and the need for wireless networks.

Advances in Wireless
Technologies
Question 3
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Wireless Technology
 Wireless technology as a whole has had many advancements over the past few
years, most of which have been led by consumer demands for efficient and
convenient services.
 Furthermore, the improvements in computers system more so, computer chips has
facilitated the growth of mobile devices/gadgets.
 These gadgets have necessitated the need for wireless networks which has led to
the advances of wireless technologies as seen today.
 In the modern society, it's more convenient to have mobile systems as compared to
wired systems that minimise mobility and flexibility.
 Therefore, the advances seen in this technology will only grow with time in an
attempt to improve comfort and service delivery.
 In all, the world will continue to experience new technologies that are tailored for
wireless systems (Andrew, 2013).

Wireless HD
 A proprietary standard for transmitting high definition videos through wireless connections.
 Also known as Ultra Gig, WirelessHD operates on a 7 GHz channel within the 60 GHz
frequency band.
 Its operation standard both for both lightly compressed and uncompressed signals to be
transmitted (video, audio and data signals).
 At the start of the technology, the first generation protocol was able to operate at a 4
Gbit/s data rate, a rate envisioned to increase with time.
Strengths
• Conveniences of wireless transmission (mobility, flexibility and scalability etc.).
• Facilitates the light compression of videos.
Weaknesses
• Many competing standards.
• It's very expensive (Morrison, 2016).

ZigBee
 A wireless technology standard developed to address the demands for low cost and power
wireless networks more so, those made for Machine to machine networks (M2M).
 Operating as an IEEE standard (IEEE 802.15.4), ZigBee uses three common frequency bands;
2.4GHz, 900MHz and 868 MHz
 In essence, this technology facilitates the communication of devices across different wireless
network topologies but with the efficiency of a longer battery life.
 Its features include; support for multiple network topologies, minimal delays and high-end
encryption (128 bit AES).
Strengths
• It’s a low cost and power technology.
• Supports various networks.
• Minimal delays
• Strong encryption (Security).
Weaknesses
• Operates within unlicensed bands (DIGI, 2017).

WiMAX
 Based on the IEEE 802.16 standard, WiMAX is a wireless technology developed to provide
broadband wireless access.
 The technology is designed to serve as a convenient substitute for wired infrastructure
such leased lines, cables and DSL connections.
 WiMAX provides both multiple physical layer connections and Media access control
(MAC).
 Initially, WiMAX could provide a data rate of 40 Mbps, however, this number has and will
continue to increase in order to meet the technologies objectives.
Strengths
• Minimal implementation cost.
• Easy to set up as most of the existing infrastructure is used.
• Faster transmission speeds.
Weaknesses
• Poor service in remote areas.
• Many Connections weaken the signal (Rouse, 2017).

References
 Andrew. (2013). Advancements in Wireless Technology. Touch of tech. Retrieved
17 August, 2017, from; http://www.touchoftechnology.com/advancements-in-
wireless-technology/
 DIGI. (2017). ZigBee wireless standard. Knowledge and resources. Retrieved 17
August, 2017, from: https://
www.digi.com/resources/standards-and-technologies/rfmodems/zigbee-wireless-st
andard
 Morrison. G. (2016). Wireless HD video is here, so why do we still use HDMI
cables? CNet. Retrieved 17 August, 2017, from:
https://www.cnet.com/news/wireless-hd-video-is-here-so-why-do-we-still-use-
hdmi-cables/
 Rouse. M. (2017). WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). Tech
target. Retrieved 17 August, 2017, from:
http://searchtelecom.techtarget.com/definition/WiMAX