Wireless Technology

Wireless technology – WLAN IEEE 802.11

The wearable WLAN technology is integrated (OQO, PDA, and Xybernaut MA-V) or needs to be provided via a USB (QBIC) or PCMCIA (Xybernaut).
In the Infrastructure any commercial WLAN access point or WLAN router can be used supporting the IEEE802.11 standards applied.
 

Wireless technology – IEEE 802.15.1 and Bluetooth

For the showcase major focus is put to Bluetooth as technology connecting further devices to the wearable computing device. Bluetooth is integrated in all wearable computing devices considered, QBIC, OQO, PDA, Xybernaut (with USB stick).

Wireless technology – IEEE 802.15.4 and Zigbee

In particular for the sensor networks, e.g. the lifeline of the firefighter IEEE 802.15.4 and Zigbee technology is considered. Based on the identical physical and MAC layer they provide connection e.g. between sensor nodes. In comparison to Bluetooth, 802.15.4 provides a lower data rate, but also requires less power and better supports mobility (attaching/detaching).

Cellular networks

The access to cellular networks is done via off-the-shelf UMTS phones providing a Bluetooth or USB interface, e.g. Nokia 6600, Sony Ericsson V800 or Motorola A1000. UMTS phones provide connectivity to UMTS as well as to GSM/GPRS networks.