Wireless networking Rytis Garbauskas

Content Bluetooth Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Mobile Broadband Native Wifi Windows Connect Now Windows Connection Manager

Bluetooth Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength UHF (Ultra high frequency) radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, and building personal area networks (PANs). Key Bluetooth features include: A low-cost, low-power consumption wireless protocol with industry-standard support and worldwide acceptance. A defined and familiar programming interface that developers can use to quickly develop or port applications. Physical range Typically less than 10 m, up to 100 m Bluetooth 5.0: 40–400 m

Infrared Data Association (IrDA) Infrared Data Association (IrDA) is a protocol suite designed to provide wireless, line-of-sight connectivity between devices. IrDA provides specifications for a complete set of protocols for wireless infrared communications, and the name "IrDA" also refers to that set of protocols. The main reason for using IrDA had been wireless data transfer over the "last one meter" using point-and-shoot principles. Implemented in portable devices such as mobile telephones, laptops, cameras, printers, and medical devices. Main characteristics of this kind of wireless optical communication is physically secure data transfer, line-of-sight (LOS) and very low bit error rate (BER) that makes it very efficient. Physical range Typically less than 2 m, up to 7 m There must be no obstacles in the operation area between the devices.

Mobile Broadband The Mobile Broadband API is used to implement connectivity to cellular networks. Applications should not communicate with such mobile broadband devices directly. Instead, they must use the Mobile Broadband API. Although broadband has a technical meaning, wireless-carrier marketing uses the phrase "mobile broadband" as a synonym for mobile Internet access. Some mobile services allow more than one device to be connected to the Internet using a single cellular connection using a process called tethering. The bit rates available with Mobile broadband devices support voice and video as well as other data access. Devices that provide mobile broadband to mobile computers include: PC cards, also known as PC data cards, and Express cards USB and mobile broadband modems, also known as connect cards portable devices with built-in support for mobile broadband, such as laptops, smartphones/tablets, PDAs, and other mobile Internet devices.

Native Wifi The Native Wifi automatic configuration component configures, connects to, and disconnects from wireless networks. Native Wifi can store profiles on the networks it interacts with in the form of XML documents. The Native Wifi API consists of structures that support wireless network connectivity. The Native Wifi application programming interface (API) functions have two purposes: to manage wireless network profiles and to manage wireless network connections.

Windows Connect Now To simplify the creation and configuration of wireless networks and their security settings, Windows 7 and later versions supports Windows Connect Now, with which users can store network configuration information on a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive (UFD). Windows Connect Now (WCN) allows mobile and embedded devices, 802.11 access points (APs), and computers to securely connect, and exchange settings with each other. WCN is designed for the home or small business user, providing a reasonable compromise between ease-of-use and robust security. Windows Connect Now (WCN) provides a simple and secure mechanism for network access points and devices (like printers, camera, and PCs) to connect and exchange settings.

Windows Connection Manager Windows Connection Manager (WCM) enables the creation and configuration of connection manager software. Automatic connection management, introduced in Windows 8, makes connection decisions by looking at Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and mobile broadband interfaces. These decisions lead to automatic connect and disconnect actions on Wi-Fi and mobile broadband interfaces.

Sources https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/desktop/wireless-networking

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