Bluetooth uses a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which breaks up the data being sent into pieces and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 frequencies. In its basic mode, the modulation is GFSK. It can transmit data rate of 1 Mb/s. Bluetooth provides a way to connect and exchange information between devices such as mobile phones, telephones, laptops, personal computers, printers, GPS receivers, digital cameras, and video game consoles.
Bluetooth implements confidentiality, authentication and key derivation with custom algorithms based on the safer and block cipher. In Bluetooth, key generation is generally based on a Bluetooth PIN, which must be entered into both devices in order to connect and exchange data with one another. This procedure might be modified if one of the devices has a fixed PIN, e.g. for headsets or similar devices with a restricted user interface. During pairing, an initialization key or master key is generated, using the E22 algorithm.
WiMax
WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), is a telecommunications technology that provides wireless transmission and exchange of data using a variety of transmission modes. The technology provides up to 75 Mbit/s symmetric broadband speeds without the need for any cables, which makes it easy and user friendly. The technology is based on Broadband Wireless Access. WiMAX is a term which describes standard, interoperable implementations of IEEE 802.16 wireless networks.
The WiMAX Forum has defined an architecture that defines how a WiMAX network connects with other networks, and a variety of other aspects of operating such a network, including address allocation, authentication, etc.
- SS/MS: the Subscriber Station/Mobile Station
- ASN: the Access Service Network
- BS: Base station, part of the ASN
- ASN-GW: the ASN Gateway, part of the ASN
- CSN: the Connectivity Service Network
- HA: Home Agent, part of the CSN
- AAA: AAA Server, part of the CSN
- NAP: a Network Access Provider
WiFi
WiFi is a trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance, founded in 1999 asWireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance. The organization comprises of over 300 companies, whose products are certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, based on the IEEE 802.11 standards (also called WLAN (Wireless LAN and Wi-Fi). This certification warrants interoperability between different wireless devices.
Wi-Fi certification is provided for technology used in home networks, mobile phones, video games and other devices that require wireless networking. It covers IEEE 802.11 standards including 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n.
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a PC, game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or PDA can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points called a hotspot can comprise an area as small as a single room with wireless-opaque walls or as large as many square miles covered by overlapping access points. Wi-Fi technology has served to set up mesh network. It can also be use for data exchange and to play muli-player games through a WiFi connection.
The most common wireless encryption standard, Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP, has been shown to be easily penetrable even when correctly configured. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA and WPA2), which began shipping in 2003, aims to solve this problem and is now available on most products. Wi-Fi Access Points typically default to an "open" (encryption-free) mode. Novice user’s benefit from a zero-configuration device that works out of the box, but this default is without any wireless security enabled, providing open wireless access to their LAN. To turn security on requires the user to configure the device. Wi-Fi networks that are open can be monitored and used to read and copy data (including personal information) transmitted over the network, unless another security method is used to secure the data, such as a VPN or a secure web page.
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Sources: www.wikipidea.org
