What Is The Difference Between Bluetooth And Wireless
WiFi and Bluetooth are two modes of wireless communication. Both modes utilize radio signals to establish connection. But there is a core difference between these two with respect to the purpose they serve. Bluetooth allows connection in a short range between devices. This helps in sharing data between the connected devices. Bluetooth is a specific wireless protocol standard, and it seems fewer and fewer peripheral makers are making Bluetooth mice. Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Email Link.
Using a Bluetooth PrinterBluetooth uses a low power wireless networking protocol to connect devices within close range, generally no further than ten meters. While most contemporary laptops come equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, older PCs may not have Bluetooth.
If your computer doesn't come equipped with Bluetooth, you can add a small adapter to a USB port for about $20. Bluetooth networks have the advantage of being easy to maintain – you don't need anything other than a Bluetooth-equipped printer and Bluetooth-equipped computers. No routers or other networking equipment is necessary when using Bluetooth. Using a Wi-Fi PrinterWi-Fi printers are accessible over a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi normally uses a similar radio band to Bluetooth, but with more power. Devices that connect over a Wi-Fi network must be within about 100 meters of a central wireless access point, though with repeaters the range can be greatly extended. Generally speaking, if your computers all have decent access to the Internet over Wi-Fi, they should have no problems accessing a Wi-Fi printer, provided that printer is within range of the Wi-Fi router as well.
Using Wi-Fi to connect to your printer is more appropriate if you have a larger office with more employees. If for some reason, you don't have Wi-Fi in your office, you will need to install a Wi-Fi router with proper security measures, like a strong password and current encryption settings. If Wi-Fi is a security concern, it's best to talk to a security analyst first, particularly if you work with sensitive or classified information. Web-based PrintingAnother way to connect wirelessly to your printer is to connect it over the internet. Web-based printers are accessible from nearly any device that has access to the Internet, provided that they are shared with those devices.
A Web-based printer is accessible even when you are out of the office and your devices generally don't need a special printer driver installed to access them. Web-based printers are a bit more expensive than other types and must, of course, have some access to the internet, either over a wired (Ethernet) or wireless network. Connecting Phones and TabletsIf you want to print directly from your smartphone or a tablet, you will want to ensure they can connect to the printer before you buy it. Apple iPhones and iPads connect seamlesssly to printers using AirPrint, a software that's built into most wireless printers today. Android devices use Cloud Print, a software that should also be accessible from most modern printers today.
Printer manufacturers also have their own apps and software to allow you to access printers, however these aren't usually necessary.If you have an older printer that isn't compatible with modern mobile devices, you can always connect the printer to any nearby computer with a USB cable and then share the printer from the PC. Using a Wireless Print ServerIf your printer doesn't have any wireless capabilities, you can still convert it by connecting it to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth print server. Both types cost around $50-$60. As with the printers, a Bluetooth server is easier to set up but has limited range.
Key Difference: Wireless LAN (WLAN) stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It refers to a network that connects two or more devices by using wireless data connections over short distances. Bluetooth is a short range technology standard which allows devices to communicate in a wireless manner.
Bluetooth works in lower distance range than in comparison to a typical wireless LAN. Wireless LANs (802.11b) are also faster than in comparison to Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth is a better option when communication needs to take place between smart phones, etc. Bluetooth technology is new than in comparison to WLAN. Basically, WLAN and Bluetooth are both used to cater to two different types of wireless connectivity requirements.Wireless LAN or WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It refers to a network that connects two or more devices by using wireless data connections over short distances.
It can be considered as an extension of a LAN. WLAN is generally implemented by transmission modes like spread-spectrum radio transmission and infrared transmission. Infrared is based on transmission of infrared light. On the other hand, radio transmission makes use of the radio transmission on the ISM free-license GHz range.The components that make up a WLAN are:.
Wireless access point – It is a tiny box containing one or more aerials. A connector is also present in the box which attaches it to the rest of the wired LAN. The number of access points may differ from one scenario to the other. Access points handle the receiving and transmitting of data to all the wireless devices in their area. Wireless network card – This card acts as a radio receiver/transmitter for a specific computer. Today, most of the laptops have this facility within its structure.
Difference Between Bluetooth And Wireless Lan
However, in case it is not present, installation is required.There are three commonly used WLAN systems:. 802.11bBased on 2.4GHzTypical throughput 3 to 5Mb/sWell established and low cost.
802.11gBased on 2.4GHzTypical throughput 6 to 20Mb/s. 802.11aBased on 5GHzTypical throughput 6 to 28Mb/sBluetooth is a short range technology standard which allows devices to communicate in a wireless manner. The devices can be computers, mobiles or handheld devices. Like WLAN, Bluetooth technology does not require any cables to connect the devices.
Difference Between Bluetooth And Wireless Connection
Bluetooth-enabled devices work within a range of 10 meters. Ericsson Mobile Communication is credited for starting the project named as Bluetooth.It uses a chip that can be easily plugged into devices like phones and computers. It uses a particular radio frequency to transmit the data. Bluetooth is regarded to be a very safe technology.
It has the capability to connect upto 8 devices at the same time. It is mostly preferred for transferring files from one phone to the other. One can also send music files and pictures wirelessly with the help of this technology. Bluetooth technology uses modifications of existing wireless LAN techniques.Both WLAN and Bluetooth are important technologies in the wireless platform.Comparison between wireless LAN 802.11b and Bluetooth:Wireless LANBluetoothDefinitionWireless LAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It refers to a network that connects two or more devices by using wireless data connections over short distances.Bluetooth is a short range technology standard which allows devices to communicate in a wireless manner.Distance RangeUp to 200 feetLess than 30 feetBandwidthHighLowSecurity issuesCan occur, still controllableMinimumSpeedComparatively moreComparatively lessCentral Access PointRequiredNot requiredIdentification of the networkBy locating a central router of a wireless network switch.By checking out the Bluetooth control panel (on phone or computer).