The term “wireless” has been applied to everything from computers and phones, to radios and remote controls. In the computer realm, it seems each year is dubbed “The Year of Wireless” as newer, more diverse systems all seem to tout their WiFi or Bluetooth wireless network capabilities. While differences may seem subtle, there are clear distinctions between these two up-and-comers. The key difference is the distance each reaches.

The Local Story

Many people know the term WiFi, particularly as more and more PCs add support for this wireless system. WiFi is a local area network technology, known in industry as the IEEE 802.11b network standard. WiFi has a range of 100 meters (328 feet) on open ground, and is designed specifically to carry computer data. An access point can be thought of as the base station for a WiFi network, and is stationary. The access point connects to another computer, a server, a wired network or the Internet.

To make a device wireless, a WiFi radio set is required. For computers, this is in the form of a wireless network interface card (or NIC). Other devices like a handheld PDA may have the radio set built into the device. With a WiFi connection, you can browse the Web using a laptop from the kitchen through a wireless access point in your basement that is, in turn, connected to your broadband Internet connection (like DSL or cable modem). A WiFi handheld can allow you to see your e-mail on your PDA when you’re near an access point.

Another application of WiFi is the public placement of an access point, allowing wireless users to jump on the Internet from places like hotels, restaurants, parks, airports and other public areas. These access points are referred to as “hot spots” and typically involve joining a national or regional provider’s plan. Some plans are totally free to the user, but are supported by advertising. Other plans charge hourly, daily or monthly fees for access.

Getting Personal

While WiFi is local, Bluetooth provides personal networking. With a range of 10 meters (33 feet), Bluetooth is designed to connect devices within close proximity. In the last several months, a number of products have popped up that include Bluetooth support.

The oddly-named Bluetooth is taken from a tenth-century Danish Viking king named Harald Blaatand (his surname translating to “bluetooth” in reference to his dark complexion, not a discolored tooth). It seems that Blaatand asked a subject to prove his faith by handling molten metal. When the subject complied and performed the act uninjured, Blaatand is said to have been christened on the spot. He went on to unite Denmark and Norway. As Bluetooth (the networking one) is supposed to unite phones and computers, the nod to the Viking king seems appropriate.

In practice, Bluetooth allows signals to be sent between computers, phones, PDAs and accessories. The earliest examples were of Bluetooth headsets for cell phones that cut the cords between ear and hip. A Bluetooth connection between a digital camera and your PC would allow you to move your pictures without wires. Imagine printing to a Bluetooth printer. Don’t get too excited, however, as it appears that only one or two Bluetooth cameras are on the market at this time.

This year, Microsoft introduced a Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse package. The bonus here is that this package provides the hardware you need to connect other Bluetooth devices in the future. Also this year, several Palm-based and PocketPC-based handhelds have been delivered that include Bluetooth support.

Wireless Broadband Internet

Some rural Iowans have access to “wireless broadband Internet.” These systems take advantage of the great open spaces to give folks high-speed access to the Internet through line-of-sight or near-line-of-sight antennas. Access points for these networks are often mounted high up on silos and other structures. The distance between access point and antenna varies with system and may be affected by weather or interference like migratory birds.