Glossary
Bluetooth®
Bluetooth refers to a low-power, short-range radio technology (operating in the 2.4 GHz bandwidth) that provides wireless communications among Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as notebook and tablet PCs, PDAs, printers and mobile phones. It has a range of about 10 meters, can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously and provides a data transfer rate of up to 1Mbp.*
GPRS
Short for General Packet Radio Service, this standard allows packet rather than circuit switch connections on cellular networks. GPRS is not location dependent, therefore allows connection (at similar speeds to dial-up connections) from anywhere and at anytime to a mobile network when Internet access is required. A roaming agreement between countries means that this service is available worldwide.*
Hot spots
These are convenient public access points to a secure public WLAN (see definition below) which allow high-speed file transfer and download. Once within range of a hot spot, you can access the Internet, email and your company network using a wireless enabled notebook, pocket PC or tablet PC.*
Infrared (IrDA)
Infrared refers to light waves of a lower frequency than human eyes can receive and interpret. Infrared is used to connect devices to other devices and peripherals such as printers. Infrared has its drawbacks. It is a "line of sight" technology - it doesn't work around corners or through walls. Its range is shorter than that of Bluetooth.*
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Wireless Local Area Networks provide cable-free connection between notebooks, desktop PCs, printers, PDAs and your office network via wireless base stations. WLANs are typically used to extend the reach of a conventional wired LAN. The major standard for WLAN networks is 802.11.*
Wireless
Wireless is a generic term which incorporates the following technologies: Bluetooth, GPRS, Wi-Fi and Infrared.
Wi-Fi
Short for wireless fidelity, Wi-Fi is a wireless technology standard that ensures mobile devices can send and receive data between other mobile devices within the range of a base station, for example at a hot spot or within a company with a WLAN. Wi-Fi devices use radio technologies to provide secure, reliable and fast wireless connectivity.*
*Note: These glossary explanations are derived from Hewlett-Packard's website at www.hp.com.
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