Wireless USB Devices and Adaptors
New Wireless USB Adaptors Provide Convenience and Versatility
Dec 13, 2008
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) has been a standard on PC's and Macs for nearly ten years now. The easy to use, ubiquitous USB plug is now found on virtually every computer peripheral that is sold. Over the years the USB specifications have been upgraded allowing for faster data transfer and flexibility over longer cable lengths.
Now the USB specification has been augmented to include a new, wireless variety that enables hardware such as printers, scanners, and other common USB devices to communicate without the need for any wires at all.
Built In vs. Add-On Wireless USB:
Many new products are shipping with wireless USB connectivity already built in to the device. Printers are the most popular wireless USB products currently shipping although portable wireless USB hard drives such as the Imation Apollo Pro WX are on the horizon.
Other, incredibly useful, gadgets include the Toshiba Wireless USB Notebook Dock, allowing properly equipped notebook users to wirelessly interface with their desktop monitor, mouse, printer, and other hardware without having to plug in a single wire. As with all such wireless USB devices, the hardware connects to the host computer and begins to work as soon as the device is brought within range.
For those that do not want to wait to cut the cord between computer and peripheral there are many wireless USB Hubs now on sale such as the Belkin F5U302 and the D-Link DUB-9240. These wireless USB hubs work like any other USB hub but communicate wirelessly to the host computer.
This allows the external hardware to be positioned in the room in a way that is convenient without having to be worry about furniture or other obstacles getting in the way of the wires. Existing peripherals are plugged into the wireless usb hub with standard USB cables but the connection from hub to computer requires no physical connection.
Pros and Cons of Using Wireless USB Devices:
Aside from the obvious difference between traditional cable based USB devices and the new wireless USB hubs, there are several pros and cons associated with wireless USB versus standard, wired USB.
- The theoretical maximum transfer speed of WUSB is the same as for wired USB 2.0, but distance greatly affects bandwidth. The ideal distance is less than three meters although WUSB allows for distances of up to ten meters.
- Although the connection from computer to peripheral will be wireless, remember that the hardware will still need to be plugged in to a power outlet.
- Allows for great flexibility and convenience without worrying about running wires. Applications such as connecting a PC to an HDTV monitor can be accomplished without the need for running HDMI cables with products such as the IOGear 720p HD Wireless USB Video Card Kit.
- Significantly faster than other wireless adaptor technologies that allow devices to communicate over slower 802.11 Wi-Fi networks.
While not a perfect solution, Wireless USB devices are able to provide more than adequate performance while reducing the clutter and confusion associated with wired USB devices. Look for wireless USB technologies to become more and more commonplace in the years ahead.
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