Pico Communications

This technical paper seeks to clarify the differences and similarities between the IEEE 802.11b WLAN standard, also known as Wi-Fi, and the IEEE 802.15 WPAN standard, also known as Bluetooth. The complementary nature of the two technologies is described and the role that each technology can play in LAN and Internet access is contrasted. The security measures that each technology employs are described in detail. Finally, the question of interference and coexistence between the two technologies is investigated. In describing the attributes of the two technologies, this paper provides limited technical data and uses terms common to wireless and networking technologies. It is thus written for the general reader who has a basic knowledge of wireless and networking technologies.