Wireless Home Networks — DECT, Bluetooth, HomeRF, and Wireless LANs

A wireless home network is an intriguing alternative to phoneline and powerline wiring systems. Wireless home networks provide all the functionality of wireline networks without the physical constraints of the wire itself. They generally revolve around either IR or radio transmissions within your home. Radio transmissions comprise of two distinct technologies—narrowband and spread-spectrum radio. Most wireless home networking products are based upon the spreadspectrum technologies. To date, the high cost and impracticality of adding new wires have inhibited the wide spread adoption of home networking technologies. Wired technologies also do not allow users to roam about with portable devices. In addition, multiple, incompatible communication standards have limited acceptance of wireless networks in the home.