Subject : MOBILE COMPUTING AND NETWORKING

ASSIGNMENT
ON

EMERGING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES - WiFi ,ZigBee , WiMax and its COMPARISON

Submitted By : Manjula.R (11msc0092) Vellore Institute of Technology

Wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions ofkilometers for deep-space radio communications. Wireless operations permit services, such as long range communications, that are impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires.
Wireless Networking is used to meet many needs. 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:
    

To span a distance beyond the capabilities of typical cabling, To provide a backup communications link in case of normal network failure, To link portable or temporary workstations, To overcome situations where normal cabling is difficult or financially impractical, or To remotely connect mobile users or networks.

Wireless communications can take place through these modes :

  

Radio

Microwave
Infrared

LETS LOOK AT SOME EMERGING WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIES : 1. WI-FI  Uses wireless LAN technology . 2. ZIGBEE  Uses wireless PAN technology . 3. WI-MAX  Uses wireless MAN technology .

Wi-Fi The term Wi-Fi suggests Wireless Fidelity . WiFi, is a mechanism that allows electronic devices to exchange data wirelessly over a computer network . A device enabled with Wi-Fi, such as a personal computer, video game console, smartphone, tablet, or digital audio player, can connect to a network resource such as the internet via a wireless network access point. An acess point (or hotspot) has a range of about 20 meters (65 ft) indoors and a greater range outdoors. Hotspot coverage can comprise an area as small as a single room with walls that block radio signals or a large area, as much as many square miles, covered by multiple overlapping access points. To connect to a Wi-Fi LAN, a computer has to be equipped with a wireless network interface controller . The combination of computer and interface controller is called a station. All stations share a single radio frequency communication channel. Transmissions on this channel are received by all stations within range. The hardware does not signal the user that the transmission was delivered and is therefore called a best effort delivery mechanism. A carrier wave is used to transmit the data in packets, referred to as "Ethernet mechanism". Each station is constantly tuned in on the radio frequency communication channel to pick up available transmissions. A Wi-Fi-enabled device can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more (interconnected) acess point called hotspotscomprises an area as small as a few rooms or as large as many square miles. Coverage in the larger area may depend on a group of access points with overlapping coverage. Wi-Fi provides service in private homes, high street chains and independent businesses, as well as in public spaces at Wi-Fi hotspots set up either free-of-charge or commercially. Organizations and businesses, such as airports, hotels, and restaurants, often provide free-use hotspots to attract customers. Enthusiasts or authorities who wish to provide services or even to promote business in selected areas sometimes provide free Wi-Fi access.
Routers that incorporate a digiter subscriber modem or a cable modem and a Wi-Fi access point, often set up in homes and other buildings, provide Internet access and internet workin to

all devices tuned into them, wirelessly or via cable. With the emergence of MIFI and WIBRO (a portable Wi-Fi router) people can easily create their own Wi-Fi hotspots that connect to Internet via cellular networks. Now Android, Bada, iOS (iphone), and Symbian devices can create wireless connections.

One can also connect Wi-Fi devices in ad-hoc-mode for client-to-client connections without a router. Wi-Fi also connects places that normally don't have network access, such as kitchens and garden sheds. Wi-Fi also allows communications directly from one computer to another without an access point intermediary. This is called ad hoc Wi-Fi transmission. This wireless ad-hoc network mode has proven popular with multiplayer handheld game consoles, such as the Nintendo DS, Digital cameras, and other consumer electronic devices.

Advantages Wi-Fi allows cheaper deployment of local area networks (LANs). Also spaces where cables cannot be run, such as outdoor areas and historical buildings, can host wireless LANs. Manufacturers are building wireless network adapters into most laptops. The price of chipsets for Wi-Fi continues to drop, making it an economical networking option included in even more devices. Different competitive brands of access points and client network-interfaces can inter-operate at a basic level of service. Products designated as "Wi-Fi Certified" by the Wi-Fi Alliance are backwards compatible. Unlike mobile phones, any standard Wi-Fi device will work anywhere in the world. The current version of Wi-Fi protected process encryption (WPA2) as of 2010 is widely considered secure, provided users employ a strong passphrase. New protocols for quality-ofservice (WMM) make Wi-Fi more suitable for latency-sensitive applications (such as voice and video); and power saving mechanisms (WMM Power Save) improve battery operation.

Limitations Spectrum assignments and operational limitations are not consistent worldwide: most of Europe allows for an additional two channels beyond those permitted in the US for the 2.4 GHz band (113 vs. 111), while Japan has one more on top of that (114). Europe, as of 2007, was essentially homogeneous in this respect. A Wi-Fi signal occupies five channels in the 2.4 GHz band; any two channels whose channel numbers differ by five or more, such as 2 and 7, do not overlap. The oft-repeated adage that channels 1, 6, and 11 are the only non-overlapping channels is, therefore, not accurate; channels 1, 6, and 11 are the only group of three non-overlapping channels in the U.S. (EIRP) in the EU is limited to 20 DBM (100 mW). The current 'fastest' norm, 802.11n, uses double the radio spectrum compared to 802.11a or 802.11g. This means there can only be one 802.11n network on 2.4 GHz band without interference to other WLAN traffic.

Range

Wi-Fi networks have limited range. A typical wireless access point using 802.11 B or 802.11G with a stock antenna might have a range of 32 m (120 ft) indoors and 95 m (300 ft) outdoors. IEEE 802.11, however, can exceed that range by more than two times. Range also varies with frequency band. Wi-Fi in the 2.4 GHz frequency block has slightly better range than Wi-Fi in the 5 GHz frequency block which is used by 802.11a. On wireless routers with detachable antennas, it is possible to improve range by fitting upgraded antennas which have higher gain. Outdoor ranges can be improved to many kilometers through the use of high gain directional antennas at the router and remote device(s).

ZIGBEE ZigBee-style networks began to be conceived around 1998, when many installers realized that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were going to be unsuitable for many applications. In particular, many engineer saw a need for self-organizing ad-hoc digital radio networks.

ZigBee is a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, lowpower digital dios based on an IEEE 802 Standard for personal area networks. Applications include wireless light switches, electrical meters with in-home-displays, and other consumer

and industrial equipment that requires short-range wireless transfer of data at relatively low rates. The technology defined by the Zigbee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other WPANs, such as Bluetooth. ZigBee is targeted at radio frequency (RF) applications that require a low data rate, long battery life, and secure networking. ZigBee has a defined rate of 250 kbps best suited for periodic or intermittent data or a single signal transmission from a sensor or input device.

ZigBee protocols are intended for embedded applications requiring low data rates and low power consumption . The resulting network will use very small amounts of power individual devices must have a battery life of at least two years to pass ZigBee certification. Typical application areas include:
      

Home Entertainment and Control HOME AUTOMATION, smart lighting, advanced temperature control, safety and security, movies and music Wireless Sensor Networks' Starting with individual sensors like Telosb/Tmote and Iris from Memsic. Industrial control, Embedded sensing, Medical data collection, Smoke and intruder warning, Building automation.

ZigBee uses 128-bit keys to implement its security mechanisms. A key can be associated either to a network, being usable by both ZigBee layers and the MAC sublayer, or to a link, acquired through pre-installation, agreement or transport The trust center maintains both the network key and provides point-to-point security. Devices will only accept communications originating from a key provided by the trust center, except for the initial master key. The security architecture is distributed among the network layers as follows:
 

The MAC sublayer is capable of single-hop reliable communications. As a rule, the security level it is to use is specified by the upper layers. The network layer manages routing, processing received messages and being capable of broadcasting requests. Outgoing frames will use the adequate link key according to the routing, if it is available; otherwise, the network key will be used to protect the payload from external devices. The application layer offers key establishment and transport services to both ZDO and applications. It is also responsible for the propagation across the network of changes in devices within it, which may originate in the devices themselves (for instance, a simple status change) or in the trust manager (which may inform the network that a certain device is to be eliminated from it). It also routes requests from devices to the trust center and network key renewals from the trust center to all devices. Besides this, the ZDO maintains the security policies of the device.

Communication Model of ZigBee : An application may consist of communicating objects which cooperate to carry out the desired tasks. The focus of ZigBee is to distribute work among many different devices which reside within individual ZigBee nodes which in turn form a network (said work will typically be largely local to each device, for instance the control of each individual household appliance). The collection of objects that form the network communicate using the facilities provided by APS, supervised by ZDO interfaces. The application layer data service follows a typical request-confirm/indication-response structure. Within a single device, up to 240 application objects can exist, numbered in the range 1-240. 0 is reserved for the ZDO data interface and 255 for broadcast; the 241-254 range is not currently in use but may be in the future.

There are two services available for application objects to use ZigBee:


The key value pair service (KVP) is meant for configuration purposes. It enables description, request and modification of object attributes through a simple interface based on get/set and event primitives, some allowing a request for response. Configuration uses compressed XML (full XML can be used) to provide an adaptable and elegant solution. The message service is designed to offer a general approach to information treatment, avoiding the necessity to adapt application protocols and potential overhead incurred on by KPV. It allows arbitrary payloads to be transmitted over APS frames.

Addressing is also part of the application layer. A network node consists of an 802.15.4conformant radio transceiver and one or more device descriptions (basically collections of attributes which can be polled or set, or which can be monitored through events). The transceiver is the base for addressing, and devices within a node are specified by an endpoint identifier in the range 1-240.

WIMAX WiMAX refers to interoperable implementations of the IEEE 802.16 family of wirelessnetworks standards ratified by the WiMAX Forum. WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is a communication technology for wirelessly delivering high-speed Internet service to large geographical areas. The 2005 WiMAX revision provided bit rates up to 40 Mbit/s with the 2011 update up to 1 Gbit/s for fixed stations.It is a part of a fourth generation, or 4G, of wirelesscommunication technology, WiMax far surpasses the 30-metre (100-foot) wireless range of a conventional Wi-fi local area network( LAN), offering a metropolitan area network with a signal radius of about 50 km (30 miles). The name "WiMAX" was created by the WiMAX Forum, which was formed in June 2001 to promote conformity and interoperability of the standard. The forum describes WiMAX as "a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last-mile wireless broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL".WiMax offers data-transfer rates of up to 75 Mbits, which is superior to conventional cable-modem and DSL connections. However, the bandwidth must be split among multiple users and thus yields lower speeds in practice. The bandwidth and range of WiMAX make it suitable for the following potential applications:
   

Providing portable mobile broadband connectivity across cities and countries through a variety of devices. Providing a wireless alternative to cable and digital subscriber line (DSL) for "last mile" broadband access. Providing data, telecommunications (VoIP) and IPTV services (triple play). Providing a source of Internet connectivity as part of a business continuity plan.

WiMAX can provide at-home or mobile Internet acess across whole cities or countries. In many cases this has resulted in competition in markets which typically only had access through an existing incumbent DSL (or similar) operator.

Additionally, given the relatively low costs associated with the deployment of a WiMAX network (in comparison with 3G, HSDPA, xDSL, HFC or FTTx), it is now economically viable to provide last-mile broadband Internet access in remote locations.

Wireless PAN / LAN / MAN Technologies Standards & 802.15.4 Characteristics &Zigbee Operation Frequency Wireless USB Proprietary Radio Modems 802.1a 802.11x Bluetooth Wi-Fi 802.16 WMAN WiMAX

868 MHz, 902-982 900 MHz, 2-11 GHz 2.4 GHz MHz, 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz 20 kbps, 9.6 kbps, 40 kbps, 480 Mbps 19.2 kbps, 1 Mbps 250 kbps 115 kbps 10-50m 10m 100m, 30km 10m 100m

b/g - 2.4 GHz 2-11 GHz a - 5.0 GHz 11 Mbps, 100-500 54 Mbps Mbps - b/g - 100m 50 km a - 50m

Data Rate Distance

Networking

ad hoc, static, point-topeer-topoint peer Low very low Low Low

peer-to-peer point-to-point ad hoc, point-topoint-topoint-topico net multipoint point multipoint medium medium medium medium high high medium High

Complexity Power Consumption

COMPARISON OF WIRELESS EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES :

Select ing the right technology and equipment will ultimately lead to a successfully installed, welldesigned, reliable and efficient communication system. The following diagram and chart offers insight into the different wireless standards and applications best suited for each of the new Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPAN), Local Area (WLAN) and Metropolitan Area (WMAN) Networks applications. These include wireless standards and acronyms such as:

802.15.4 and ZigBee, 802.1a and Bluetooth, WUSB, Proprietary Radio Modems, 802.11 and Wi-Fi and finally 802.16 and WiMAX.

This paper has an overview of emerging wirelesstechnologies. 802.11n is viewed as the most likely contenderfor the home network backbone. ZigBee, on the other hand, is likely to make best use of its low-power and high-speedoperation in short-range equipment interconnects, such aspersonal computers and portable equipment. ZigBee networks are primarily intended for low duty cycle sensor networks(<1%). 802.11n is viewed as being superior in maintainingcompatibility with existing wireless LAN, while ZigBee isgenerally thought more likely to achieve lower levels ofpower consumption. Our vision of the future is that WiMAXwill enable mobile broadband at an affordable price. This will be achieved through the adoption of WiMAX by a cellularprovider seeking to make a jump to this disruptive technology.WiMAX is not expected to completely eliminate the Wi-Fi technology in the near future, but will be a complement to Wi-Fi as its primary backhaul service of choice. WiMAXpromises to help corporations expand business, drive down costs, increase overall profitability, increase the quality ofservice, and increase the number of users that connect to theInternet.