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ARS Special Report on Purchasing Wireless Networks

By Randall Anzalone

November 5, 2001

    The different wireless technologies that exist today have a lot in common.  They all utilize unlicensed radio frequencies in the 2.4 or 5 GHz area.  Wireless protocols known as HomeRF, 802.11b (also known as Wi-Fi, or WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network), and Bluetooth (802.15) all utilize the 2.4 GHz spectrum.  The 5 GHz spectrum is just starting to be used by a new technology entitled 802.11a, and also has many different characteristics then the others.  While most of the technologies were developed for a wireless transfer of data among users, many of the wireless technologies are able to transfer voice and other high bandwidth files, and it is to these abilities that we will first focus on.

    HomeRF is a technology designed to be the default connection technology for the wireless home entertainment sector.  The protocol does specify use through the 2.4 GHz spectrum, yet HomeRF has several distinguishing characteristics that set it apart from other 2.4 GHz systems, most notably 802.11b.  While the first specification allowed for a transfer rate of 1.6 to 2 Mbps, the new 2.0 version specifies a 10 Mbps data rate, which is comparable to the 802.11b and wired Ethernet spec.  However, the HomeRF technology allows for the transfer of voice and entertainment, without much degradation.  This permits the technology to become a complete part of a home entertainment network.  For example, one could use a HomeRF network to transfer a movie from one television to another, which in itself if beyond the current capability of 802.11b systems.  802.11g is working on this aspect, but more on that later.

    Through the past few years HomeRF has been competing with the versions of the 802.11 protocol.  ARS sees this action as folly on their part, and HomeRF has changed its focus as of late.  The HomeRF organization now highlights its classification as a home entertainment wireless connection, and ARS agrees with this specification.  HomeRF was not intended for an office environment, and is much more suited to the home area due to several factors.  The first is its ability to transfer digital sound and voice data as specified above.  The second factor is its level of ‘politeness’ in handling frequency interference with other devices.  Simply put, HomeRF interferes less with other devices than does 802.11b and Bluetooth, and this is due to its technological makeup.  HomeRF uses a 128 bit encryption rate as well as a 24 bit network I.D. to keep users protected from outside interference and to retain the integrity of the network’s security.  Therefore, HomeRF should be used by residential consumers, as well as by firms looking to be able to transfer voice over a wireless network.  If HomeRF were to ever lose its edge over the competition in regards to Quality of Service (QoS) and voice transfer, the technology would quickly become second rate and sales would plummet.

    802.11b, or Wi-Fi is currently the most widely used and supported wireless networking technology to date.  The specification allows for the transfer of data at speeds of up to 11 Mbps, with is comparable to wired 10BaseT Ethernet.  The technology also utilizes the 2.4 GHz radio frequencies, yet is prone to interfere with other equipment sharing the spectrum including Bluetooth products and non-networking products such as cordless phones, baby monitors and microwave ovens.  In fact, this interference issue is one of the reasons why many manufacturers have decided to move product development efforts up to the unused 5 GHZ spectrum.  As mentioned before, 802.11b is currently unable to transfer voice or video data very well, yet an IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards body is currently working on a wireless QoS application, which would allow for the transfer of voice through a Wi-Fi network.  The protocol is termed 802.11g, yet will most likely not be implemented into an 802.11b network until late next year at the very earliest.

    Besides the speed, interference and voice transfer differences with HomeRF, 802.11b has some other traits which may be regarded as more desirable to business users.  Simply put, 802.11b is more price competitive.  Whether in retail or e-commerce, when directly compared to the HomeRF standard, 802.11b comes at a cheaper price.  Users can currently purchase an 802.11b PC Card for around $70, as opposed to the $129 price tag for a comparable HomeRF card.  Also, 802.11b products are easier to find, and are from more recognizable manufacturers.  It is valuable to note that consumers and businesses are more comfortable investing in a wireless product from the likes of a well-known company such as 3Com, Cisco or Linksys.  Those that follow the HomeRF standard are less known and this may be another factor indicating the lower adoption rates for HomeRF products when compared to 802.11b.  Another advantage of the 802.11b specification is the ability to expand the network from the office to the home.  As enterprises continue to build-out their wireless networks, those users who are able to bring a laptop home may wish to use a wireless connection there as well.  It makes more sense to be able to use the same PC Card at home and at work, instead of changing technologies and products depending on location.

    The build-out for 802.11b has increased at a very high rate, and includes a presence in Starbucks coffee shops, educational facilities, enterprise conference rooms, airport and hotel lounges.  Besides conference rooms, many enterprises have elected to connect all of their employees to wireless networks, and manufacturers have also decided to use the unobtrusive 802.11b specification instead of hard-to-implement wired networks.  In effect, 802.11b products have a much greater reach in the business world, and will continue this expansion as prices continue to drop, more products are rolled out, and QoS features begin to be built-in to the specification.

    Of the two technologies previously reviewed, the third protocol is the easiest to understand in terms of usage and application models.  Bluetooth was developed to replace cables, and works in a short-range environment or PAN (Personal Area Network).  The technology was intended for use with low power devices such as cell phones, PDAs and Laptops, and accordingly consumes very little power.  The attributes of Bluetooth also serve as the most obvious uses for the technology.  The short range and transfer capabilities of the technology position affords Bluetooth the ability to synchronize and connect with personal technological products, yet the low range and data rate specifications demonstrate the inability to accommodate many users over a wide geographical range.

    Consumers should use Bluetooth for the following activities.  Bluetooth can be used to create an ad-hoc network with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.  This allows all connected devices to transfer files and share a network connection.  Now, Bluetooth products can use an Access Point that is continually connected to a LAN.  However, an advantage that the technology has over HomeRF and 802.11b is that it allows users to connect to the Internet anywhere a mobile signal is detected.  A Bluetooth-enabled PDA or Laptop could connect to a cell phone, which can then dial-in to an ISP.  Thus, Bluetooth allows for easy connectivity, whatever the location.  However, the power consumption characteristics also play a huge role in the data rate of the technology, and Bluetooth usually traverses among products at a connection rate of 1 Mbps or less, compared to the 10 or 11 Mbps enjoyed by 802.11b and HomeRF.

    Bluetooth does have other differences with the other wireless products that use the 2.4 GHz spectrum.  It is generally more stable and has excellent encryption characteristics due to its frequency hopping technique, and its 128 WEP encryption standard.  However, the 30-foot range of Bluetooth precludes its usage to very few people in close proximity to each other (HomeRF and 802.11b products report a possible range of 120 to around 350 feet).  Therein, Bluetooth’s range and data rate are quite inferior to the other protocols, yet it was never really meant to compete in the WLAN arena.  ARS sees the Bluetooth specification as developing into an embedded product that affords Internet access, product synchronization possibilities and cable-replacement.  Instead of a replacement to a wired Ethernet as 802.11b and HomeRF are regarded, Bluetooth was created to replace cables and wirelessly connect a number of electronic devices.

    One final technology that needs attention is the 5 GHz 802.11a specification.  This technology is very new and consumers should be able to get their hands on 802.11a products as early as November.  The product works in a similar way as 802.11b, yet there are some fundamental differences worthy of discussion.  The first issue is data rate, and 802.11a products will enjoy rates from 54 to 100 Mbps.  Due to the technological limitations of the 5 GHz frequency, the range of the products will be about half that of 802.11b and HomeRF.  The range may be extended as time goes on, yet this is definitely a limitation that makes its adoption past the conference room all the more uncertain.  The price points of 802.11a technology are expected to hover around 802.11b products, which will allow higher levels of implementation than previously expected.  Therefore, as more and more 802.11a products are initiated into the market, ARS expects that most of them will make their way into conference rooms and other high-bandwidth hungry areas.  Yet, 802.11b, because of its low cost and better range, will continue to be utilized in more places than 802.11a.

    After examining various wireless options, the following recommendations are presented for the implementation of wireless technologies.

    Home users who are looking to connect various electronic devices should go with a HomeRF product.  However, if 802.11g is implemented and enables 802.11b products to deliver voice as well as data, HomeRF may find itself out of the market.  With regards to business implementation, HomeRF offers some positives and a few negatives.  Network administrators would rather utilize a standard and accepted technology from a trusted name.  As noted before, 802.11b has more easily recognizable adherents than does HomeRF.  Also, price-conscious shoppers will find a much greater selection of low- priced vendors and products with 802.11b, than they would with HomeRF.  Yet, the HomeRF voice and video function rears its head once again, and provides a very attractive technology for use in video conferencing and streaming applications.  ARS believes that HomeRF needs to keep improving its voice features, as well as position itself as a wireless home entertainment connection if it wishes to remain a competitor.  However, in stressing its usefulness as a home entertainment technology, HomeRF has taken itself out of consideration as a viable office and business option.  It is called ‘Home’RF for a reason.

    For the business user, 802.11b still seems like the best option for wireless technology, since its price points, range, and data rate improvements continue to place it ahead of the pack in regards to wireless connectivity.  When released, 802.11a may be quite attractive to business users, yet its slightly higher price point and shorter range will keep this protocol regulated to conference rooms and other high-bandwidth demanding areas.  For the home user, 802.11a is an unlikely choice as the 5 GHz frequencies are unable to pass through walls as easily as 802.11b, and lack a sufficient range.  The fact that 802.11a fails to adopt any QoS features also plays against adoption rates in this area.  Finally, highly mobile users and businesspeople will most likely adopt Bluetooth and 802.11b products over HomeRF or 802.11a.  As noted before, Bluetooth can serve as a wireless Internet portal practically everywhere in North America.  Also, with the prevalent build-out of 802.11b networks in Hotels, cafés, airport lounges and campuses, 802.11b should continue to experience high usage with mobile individuals.

    In conclusion, one must remember that Wireless Networking Products and technologies are still in their infancy.  As they continue to develop and add more features and usage models, they will evolve into many new applications and developments.  When shopping for a wireless network, it is important to determine the specific needs of your business and environment, and do some research into the viability of all available technologies. 

ARS Wireless Specification Table

  * HomeRF version 2.0
** Range, and lack of wall penetration abilities indicate a poor household usage.

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Contacts:
Randall Anzalone
ARS Networking Analyst
(858) 729-2891
ranzalone@ars1.com

 

Jennifer Billingsley
Marketing Program Manager
(858) 729-2893
jbillingsley@ars1.com