ABI: As Bluetooth SIG Announces Use of IEEE 802.11, Questions Loom About UWB's Future
June 9, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
Members of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) announced the development of Bluetooth over IEEE 802.11, giving Bluetooth a boost in data rate transfer and helping to quench consumer demand for added speed.
But while the ultrawideband (UWB) market worries that this announcement may slow down or even suspend its relationship with Bluetooth, analysts from ABI Research say this will not be the case.
"We're taking classic Bluetooth connections - using Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and other architectural elements - and allowing it to jump on top of the already present [IEEE] 802.11 radio, when necessary, to send bulky entertainment data, faster," said Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG.
"When the speed of [IEEE] 802.11 is overkill, the connection returns to normal operation on a Bluetooth radio for optimal power management and performance."
Where does this leave UWB? "The Bluetooth SIG's announcement will not have an impact on the timing of the UWB market, as UWB remains set to be delivered as a viable radio to wireless handsets during the 2009/2010 time frame," said ABI Research senior analyst Douglas McEuen.
Analysts said the utilization of IEEE 802.11 is meant to fill a short-term role to the extent that UWB is being developed further, with UWB expected to be quite common in the future. Additionally, a combined Bluetooth/UWB WiMedia radio effectively opens the door to companies such as Alereon, Wisair and WiQuest for entry into the Bluetooth market.
The inclusion of IEEE 802.11 inside the realm of Bluetooth can only attract more consumers, analysts said, thereby setting the stage for UWB's implementation to attain its full potential in the coming years.
Source: ABI Research.