Radio positioning

One of the technologies on which we based our developments and solutions is the radio. The positioning solutions based on radio technology are characterized for being:

  1. Very useful given the great display of this type of networks that exist now.
  2. Applicable only for inside positions.
  3. Not all the devices are valid for any technology.
  4. They involve the establishment of beacons within the site to cover.
  5. Based on the technology they are but useful for precise positioning or crossing sites.

Types of Radio technology used on DAT for their solutions development:

Bluetooth
It is the norm that defines a global standard of wireless communication that makes possible the voice and data transmission between different equipments by means of a radio frequency connection. The main objectives expected to be achieved with this norm are:

  1. Ease communications between mobile and fixed equipments.
  2. Eliminate cables and connectors between them.
  3. Offer the possibility of creating small wireless networks and make easier the data synchronization between personal equipments.

The Bluetooth technology includes hardware, software and interoperability requirements, reason why for its development the participation of the main manufacturers of the sectors of the telecommunications and computer science have been necessary, such as Ericsson, Nokia, Motorola, Toshiba, IBM and Intel, among others
The Bluetooth specification defines a communication channel of maximum 720Kb/s with optimal rank of 10 meters ( optionally 100m). The working radio frequency is in the rank of 2,4 to 2.48Ghz with wide spectrum and frequency leaps with the possibility of transmitting in Full Duplex with a maximum of 1600 leaps/seg. The frequency leaps occur between a total of 79 frequencies with intervals of 1 MHz; this allows giving security and sturdiness. The output power to transmit to a maximum distance of 10 meters is 0dBM (1 mW), whereas the long reach version transmits between 20 and 30dBm (100 mW).

Wi-fi
Acronym of Wireless Fidelity is a set of standards for wireless networks based on the specifications IEEE 802.11. It offers interconnection between a maximum of 10 equipments and wireless access to Internet at a speed of up to 11 Mbps. It has an operational range of up to 100 meters in open spaces and of about 45 meters in sites closed with walls.
Wi-Fi was created in 1997 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) of the United States in answer to Bluetooth protocol developed some year earlier by Swedish Ericsson. Its creation very soon gained the support of Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA), organization who is in charge to confirm the compatibility between products of her associates. Founded by 3Com, Cisco Systems, Intersil, Agere Systems, Nokia and Symbol Technologies, those products certified by WECA show on their boxes the Wi-Fi logo with the aim of make easier the infrastructure search that finally will make a wireless network.
Wi-Fi also has different variants. Although it is considered that norm 802.11b is enough trustworthy, fast and safe, they are developing different categories. One already approved by the normative committee is 802.11a, which offers a speed of 54 Mbps and a maximum outreach of 35 meters. It Works at works 2.4 GHz, the same frequency that Bluetooth and other wireless technologies like Home RF. Other members of the family that are under development are 802.11g (22 Mbps), 802.11i (characterized by a high security of transmission) or 802.11e, specially designed for voice communications.