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If you really want to stretch your brain, consider the cutting-edge research underway in the areas of sensor networks and nanotechnology. Sensor networks are, as the name implies, networks of tiny embedded networks that gather data from remote locations and transmit it back to central sites for processing. Applications include geology sensor networks on volcanoes such as Mount St.
Helen's help predict potential eruptions - Mount St. It's easy to envision practical commercial applications for sensor networks, such as inventory tracking for retail and distribution, and process tracking for manufacturing.
But sensor networks represent only half the story. Picking up data and transferring it back to a centralized site for processing is interesting - but it's basically unidirectional transmission. Now couple that with a bidirectional communications infrastructure for example, the central location can transmit information back to the remote sensors and the ability for sensing devices to react and respond. A key way to make this happen is using emerging nanotechnology, which enables low-power actions.
Coupling sensor networks to nanotechnology-enabled devices thus provides the ability to feel and move at a distance - thus dramatically extending the definition of communication. This combination of sensor networks and nanotechnology is sometimes referred to as an embedded network, and it's the topic of active research today. It encompasses various types of fixed, mobile, and portable two way radios, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants PDAs , and wireless networking.
Other examples of wireless technology include GPS units, garage door openers and or garage doors, wireless computer mice, keyboards and headsets, satellite television and cordless telephones. Handheld wireless radios such as this Maritime VHF radio transceiver use electromagnetic waves to implement a form of wireless communications technology.
Wireless operations permits services, such as long range communications, that are impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires. The term is commonly used in the telecommunications industry to refer to telecommunications systems e. Wireless communication The term "wireless" has become a generic and all-encompassing word used to describe communications in which electromagnetic waves or RF rather than some form of wire carry a signal over part or the entire communication path. Common examples of wireless equipment in use today include:. Players can chat, send text messages as well as record sound and send it to their friends.
Controllers also use wireless technology. They do not have any cords but they can send the information from what is being pressed on the controller to the main console which then processes this information and makes it happen in the game. All of these steps are completed in milliseconds.
Wireless networking i. Perhaps the most common use is to connect laptop users who travel from location to location. Another common use is for mobile networks that connect via satellite. A wireless transmission method is a logical choice to network a LAN segment that must frequently change locations. The following situations justify the use of wireless technology:. Applications may involve point-to-point communication, point-to-multipoint communication, broadcasting, cellular networks and other wireless networks. The term "wireless" should not be confused with the term "cordless", which is generally used to refer to powered electrical or electronic devices that are able to operate from a portable power source e.
Some cordless devices, such as cordless telephones, are also wireless in the sense that information is transferred from the cordless telephone to the telephone's base unit via some type of wireless communications link. This has caused some disparity in the usage of the term "cordless", for example in Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. In the last fifty years, wireless communications industry experienced drastic changes driven by many technology innovations. Wireless technology may supplement or replace hard wired implementations in security systems for homes or office buildings.
Modern televisions use wireless generally infrared remote control units. Now radio waves are also used. Perhaps the best known example of wireless technology is the cellular telephone and modems. These instruments use radio waves to enable the operator to make phone calls from many locations world-wide.
Technically known as IEEE Several Wi-Fi hot spots have been popular over the past few years. Some businesses charge customers a monthly fee for service, while others have begun offering it for free in an effort to increase the sales of their goods. Wireless energy transfer is a process whereby electrical energy is transmitted from a power source to an electrical load that does not have a built-in power source, without the use of interconnecting wires.
Answering the call of customers frustrated with cord clutter, many manufactures of computer peripherals turned to wireless technology to satisfy their consumer base.
Originally these units used bulky, highly limited transceivers to mediate between a computer and a keyboard and mouse, however more recent generations have used small, high quality devices, some even incorporating Bluetooth. These systems have become so ubiquitous that some users have begun complaining about a lack of wired peripherals.
Initial concerns about the security of wireless keyboards have also been addressed with the maturation of the technology. Many scientists have complained that wireless technology interferes with their experiments, forcing them to use less optimal peripherals because the optimum one is not available in a wired version.
It was manufactured by the Telxon corporation since early s. These networks are usually available within range of commercial cell phone towers.
Higher speed wireless LANs are inexpensive, but have very limited range. When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many mobile devices, this often means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the necessary battery life. Weather, terrain, and the range from the nearest signal point can all interfere with signal reception.
Reception in tunnels, some buildings, and rural areas is often poor. More car accidents are related to drivers who were talking through a mobile device.
Cell phones may interfere with sensitive medical devices. There are allegations that cell phone signals may cause health problems. Screens and keyboards tend to be small, which may make them harder to use. Alternate input methods such as speech or handwriting recognition require training. David P. Helmbold, "A dynamic disk spin-down technique for mobile computing", citeseer.
Landay, J. Kaufmann, T. Mobile computing: in-vehicle computing and fleet computing Many commercial and government field forces deploy a ruggedized portable computer such as the Panasonic Toughbook or larger rack-mounted computers with their fleet of vehicles.
Be a part of the nanotechnology revolution in telecommunications. This book provides a unique and thought-provoking perspective on how. In this book, he examines a broad range of the science of nanotechnology and how this field will affect every facet of the telecommunications and computing.
This requires the units to be anchored to the vehicle for driver safety, device security, and user ergonomics. Ruggedized computers are rated for severe vibration associated with large service vehicles and off-road driving, and the harsh environmental conditions of constant professional use such as in EMS, fire and public safety. Other elements that enables the unit to function in vehicle:. Computers typically must be able to withstand these temperatures while operating. Lithium Ion batteries are sensitive to high temperature conditions for charging.
Several specialized manufacturers such as National Products Inc Ram Mounts , Gamber Johnson and LedCo build mounts for vehicle mounting of computer equipment for specific vehicles. The mounts are built to withstand the harsh conditions and maintain ergonomics. Specialized installation companies, such as TouchStar Pacific, specialize in designing the mount design, assembling the proper parts, and installing them in a safe and consistent manner away from airbags, vehicle HVAC controls, and driver controls.
The Compaq Portable. A Portable computer is a general-purpose computer that can be easily moved from place to place, but cannot be used while in transit, usually because it requires some "setting-up" and an AC power source. The most famous example is the Osborne 1. Portable computers are also called a "transportable" or a "luggable" PC.
A Tablet PC that lacks a keyboard also known as a non-convertible Tablet PC is shaped like slate or a paper notebook, features a touchscreen with a stylus and handwriting recognition software. Tablets may not be best suited for applications requiring a physical keyboard for typing, but are otherwise capable of carrying out most tasks that an ordinary laptop would be able to perform. An Internet tablet is an Internet appliance in tablet form. Unlike a Tablet PC, an Internet tablet does not have much computing power and its applications suite is limited, and it can not replace a general purpose computer.
Internet tablets typically feature an MP3 and video player, a web browser, a chat application and a picture viewer.
A Personal digital assistant PDA is a small, usually pocket-sized, computer with limited functionality. It is intended to supplement and to synchronize with a desktop computer, giving access to contacts, address book, notes, e-mail and other features. A Smart phone is a PDA with an integrated cellphone functionality. Current smartphones have a wide range of features and installable applications. Global System Mobile communications.
GSM differs from its predecessors in that both signaling and speech channels are digital, and thus is considered a second generation 2G mobile phone system. This has also meant that data communication was easy to build into the system. The ubiquity of the GSM standard has been an advantage to both consumers who benefit from the ability to roam and switch carriers without switching phones and also to network operators who can choose equipment from any of the many vendors implementing GSM[4].
GSM also pioneered a low-cost to the network carrier alternative to voice calls, the short message service SMS, also called "text messaging" , which is now supported on other mobile standards as well. Another advantage is that the standard includes one worldwide emergency telephone number, GSM is a cellular network, which means that mobile phones connect to it by searching for cells in the immediate vicinity.
There are five different cell sizes in a GSM network—macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella cells. The coverage area of each cell varies according to the implementation environment.