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Difference between BlueTooth and UWB
Both Bluetooth and UWB are wireless technologies that are widely used to send and receive data wirelessly using radio signals. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is used to connect devices in short range, whereas UWB is wireless network technology that can carry an extensive range of frequency bands while using very little power.
Go through this article to find out more about the features of Bluetooth and UWB and how they are different from each other.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth was created under the IEEE 802.15.1 standard, which is used for wireless communication via radio transmissions. Bluetooth was first introduced in 1994 as a wireless replacement for RS-232 connections.
Bluetooth connects a wide range of devices and establishes personal networks in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum. The device class determines the operating range. Many digital gadgets, such as MP3 players, mobile and peripheral devices, and personal computers, use Bluetooth.
Unlike previous wireless technologies, Bluetooth provides high-level services such as file pushing, voice transmission, and serial line emulation to its network and devices.
A scattered ad-hoc topology is the name given to the Bluetooth topology. It defines a Piconet, a small cell that consists of a group of devices connected in an ad-hoc manner.
Bluetooth ensures data security and privacy when in use. It employs a 128-bit random number, a device's 48-bit MAC address, and two keys: authentication (128 bits) and encryption (256 bits) (8 to 128 bits). Non-secure, service level, and linklevel are the three modes of operation.
Advantages of Using Bluetooth
Wireless − One of the advantages of Bluetooth is that it transmits data without the use of any cables. You may send and receive files without having to worry about wires with this method. Wireless Bluetooth technology is also used in a variety of different applications. Personal security systems, finding devices, and health monitoring are examples of such uses.
Availability − Bluetooth is now a standard function on most gadgets, including smartphones and tablets.
Usability − Because of its ease of use, Bluetooth can be used by even the most inexperienced user. The Bluetooth pairing process is pretty simple. There is no need to install any software or drivers.
Efficiency − Bluetooth is energy efficient which results in minimal power consumption. This is usually due to the Bluetooth low-power signals.
Disadvantages of Using Bluetooth
Speed − Data transfer is relatively sluggish in all wireless methods. In the case of Bluetooth, this is especially true. The transmission rate of Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 is 25 Mbps in general.
Range − A Bluetooth connection has a maximum range of 100 meters. Bluetooth has a limited range of communication (typically lower than a Wi-Fi connection).
Safety and security − Even though Bluetooth has several security features, its security level is significantly lower because it utilizes radio frequencies. Bluetooth allows hackers to obtain your personal information quickly.
Reliability − Even though the majority of Bluetooth implementations follow the standard, there are still worries about Bluetooth compatibility. This is due to a variety of factors, including profiles, drivers, and versions.
What is Ultra-Wideband (UWB)?
Ultra-wideband (UWB) is a wireless network technology that has the advantage of being able to carry an extensive range of frequency bands while using very little power. Ultra-wideband, often known as ultra-band or digital pulse wireless, is an ultra-wideband wireless technology.
Distance must be considered while employing ultra-wideband efficiently. This isn't a long-distance transmission model at all. Radar and certain types of speech and data transmission with a limited range or territory are examples of practical applications.
Ultra-wideband variants have been employed in military and government facilities. Ultra-wideband has been engaged in medical devices by several companies, primarily when the medical devices would only be used within a small range of other transmitters or receivers.
UWB requires extremely little power and has a vast bandwidth (500MHz), making it excellent for transmitting large amounts of data from a transmitter to other devices. UWB encodes data by transmitting pulses in a pattern. A single bit of data takes 32 to 128 pulses to encode, yet considering how quickly the bits arrive, data rates of 7 to 27 megabits per second are possible.
A MIMO (multiple-input, multiple-output) distributed antenna technology has been introduced to the standard that enables short-range networks to boost UWB's range and reception reliability. Antennas can be built inside a smartphone or other devices like a bracelet or a smart key.
Comparison between Bluetooth and UWB
The following table highlights the major differences between Bluetooth and UWB −
| Key | Bluetooth | UWB |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Bluetooth supports frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz. | UWB supports frequencies ranging from 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz. |
| Power Consumption | It consumes a low battery | UWB also consumes low battery |
| Accuracy | The accuracy of Bluetooth is up to a meter | The accuracy range of UWB is around 10 centimeters (3.9 inches), |
| Infrastructure | There is an existing infrastructure for Bluetooth | There is a lack of existing infrastructure for UWB |
| Maintenance cost | Less maintenance cost | High maintenance cost |
| Modulation | Bluetooth uses GFSK modulation technique. | UWB uses BPSK and QPSK modulation techniques. |
| RF Channel | Bluetooth has 79 RF Channels. | UWB has 1 to 15 RF Channels. |
| Cell Nodes | Bluetooth has maximum 8 cell nodes. | UWB also has maximum 8 cell nodes. |
| EEE | Bluetooth follows IEEE 802.15.1 standard | UWB follows IEEE 802.15.3a standard. |
Conclusion
To conclude, Bluetooth and UWB are both wireless technologies that are widely used for data transfer. The most striking difference between these technologies is that Bluetooth is used to connect devices in short range, whereas UWB is wireless network technology that can carry an extensive range of frequency bands while using very little power.
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