AltRed Wireless Center

A historic decision by the FCC last week has bloggers everywhere talking, and companies like Google salivating. The commission voted to open up use of unlicensed broadcast television frequencies, the first decision of its kind in over 20 years. Using these new channels, developers will be able to send wireless signals over greater distances and at greater speeds than we have now. The Super Wi-Fi spectrum distance measures in miles, not feet, while the speeds approach that of a cable modem. The signal will also be able to penetrate obstacles (like walls) more reliably. Read the rest of this entry »

Bluetooth was created by the Swedish telecommunication company Ericsson in 1994. Using a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, Bluetooth transmits data over a 79-band range between 2402 and 2480 MHz. The technical aspects can be overwhelming, but Bluetooth has changed the way people send and receive information, allowing for networks of up to eight devices.When Ericsson was coming up with this technology, the decision of what to name it took an interesting turn. The company thought back to King Harald I, who ruled Denmark in the tenth-century. Known as “Bltand”, or “Bluetooth,” he brought together warring tribes and created a unified kingdom. Likewise, Bluetooth unites different protocols and devices. The history behind the name can also be found in the logo, which is made up of the runes “Hagall” and “Bjarkan,” representing Harald’s initials.