WI-FI versus BLUETOOTH - General Topics

I have just setup a wireless network in my home. Compared to bluetooth it is absolutley brilliant, I have fast internet on my laptop downstairs, wifi card in ipaq working great and it was a doddle to install, whereas bluetooth presents nightmares to configure, wont work with lots of devices, is short range and very slow. For anybody who is in 2 minds I would suggest wireless is the best by far in all ways.

Hi,
Apologies if I misunderstood you, but I think you missed the point of Bluetooth/WiFi. They really are completely different technologies.
Bluetooth is designed to be short range and lower power and to be able to communicate a multitude of devices wirelessly (i.e. keyboards, mice, GPS, headsets as well as forming mini networks). It's also not really designed to be "high speed" as in the same sort of levels of WiFi.
WiFi on the other hand is ONLY for networking and compared to Bluetooth it IS much faster as you've realised and it is designed for bigger distances, but the power drain is also considerably more as well.
That's why your device has both technologies, so that you can choose which method suits you best. Personally I use the WiFi for networking, but the Bluetooth for talking to my GPS and Handsfree. I've ran a Bluetooth network before and found them quite stable (driver/firmware versions will assist here) and they're okay in an emergency, but they're really not that speedy at all.

So wifi is limited in its capabilities? So no chance of wireless gps or wireless headsets for phones?

I wouldn't say it's limited. Wireless Fidelity is wireless networking. That's what it was designed for and that's what it does.
You do get network webcams as well as network printers etc which could directly or indirectly take advantage of WiFi, but that's about as diverse as I think it goes and even then it's not really WiFi doing the work. The devices themselves have built in network cards.
Technically you could have a headset with a built in network card/wireless tranceiver, but I think since they can already do that with Bluetooth in very small sizes/low power/low cost... I can't see a WiFi implementation happening anytime soon, if ever. More likely it'll skip WiFi and that sort of thing will go in whatever wireless technology comes out next.
But aside from possibly a headset with longer range and faster networking, what else would you want to use with a range more than 10m or needs faster speeds?
I suspect mobile phones will start including 100m Bluetooth when they work out how to get the power down, but I don't believe that'll increase the speeds. But hey I didn't write/design the spec, so who knows?

I was also quite surprised and pleased by the simplicity of setting the wireless network, on the desktop I took about 1 minute, no added software, just a couple of clicks and a reboot, on the laptop I installed the software, plugged in the card and it immediately found the network and asked me politely if I would like to use it, brilliant implementation of a superb system. I also saw an advert for a long distance network connection, 3 miles I think, that would be a cheap way of all your family using a single high speed broadband connection in the same town.

The answer is simple:
Can you use high speed WIFI for more than 3 hours with any PPC with standard battery? BT does that well.
You should compensate the high speed of connection and simplicity in configuration (not very sure about this) to the longer usage time.

Related

[Q] Need advice on transfer speeds/video recording

Hoping someone could shed some light and/or point me in the right direction. I just go my TF and upgraded to the latest stock firmware from ASUS. I am having two issues that may or may not be unique to me, one being almost a deal breaker for me.
1) My wifi speeds are running below my expectations. I am measuring around 11Mbits/s reads, while using various SMB explorers. I have run internet speed tests that have measured around 20Mbit/s reads from the stock browser though. I am running on a wireless 54 Mbit/s g-router. While I didn't expect 54Mbit/s, I did hope for the 30ishMbit/s I have been getting with various laptops.
My concern mainly lies with video streaming from my NAS as 11 Mbps is borderline for my uses. I am getting those transfer rates from the NAS and from my Win7 setup as well. My hope is that the SMB file sharing apps aren't optimized and I can wait it out and hope to get at least the 20 MBps rates that I am seeing from the internet speed tests. Should I try to throw in a wireless N in to the mix and if so besides WEP (which I assume is limited to 54mbps) is there any other encryption that the TF supports over WiFi? I ask so I can research the best match wireless -n access point for the TF. I don't see the ability to change the authentication/encryption as the 'Advanced' tab on the TF settings is greyed out.
2) I am getting significant audio sync issues while recording video. Playback of video is smoother with the new firmware but I see an occasional stutter. I could live with that if the audio stayed in sync (playing back with built in player and mobo). THis one is not a dealbreaker as I will rarely use the video but I am concerned this is an issue with my device. The realtime playback during recording is terribly stuttery (though this isn't a big deal since the playback is far smoother).
I haven't rooted yet but has anyone used cifs.ko successfully and seen better transfer rates than some of the SMB implementations in terms of transfer rates?
Thanks for any advice on routes to go or just general confirming that these are issues you don't see.
Anyone able to chime in on this for me?
1) It sounds like you need to upgrade your wireless hardware. WEP is easily crackable nowadays by anyone who googles how to do it, and has been for a while. WPA2 is usually a much safer option if your equipment doesnt support it then its probably time for an upgrade. Wireless N routers are pretty cheap nowadays via ebay, so there's not really any reason not to get one (I've bought a few for around £5 each on there). It should increase your throughput dramatically, and increase the range you can use your wifi devices at. I'd also advise setting up MAC filtering and hiding your network from prying eyes if you do all this to make it more secure. Plenty of guides on the net for that, and it's very easy to do.
2) I don't get the audio sync issues you have, but then the quality of the audio via video recording is terrible, so I've not used it much. I've yet to try this, but perhaps plugging a microphone into the headset jack will help with your sync issue, just an idea to try. And if it doesnt help then perhaps another app would.
thanks for the reply.
I will try both suggestions.
stuntdouble said:
1) It sounds like you need to upgrade your wireless hardware. WEP is easily crackable nowadays by anyone who googles how to do it, and has been for a while. WPA2 is usually a much safer option if your equipment doesnt support it then its probably time for an upgrade. Wireless N routers are pretty cheap nowadays via ebay, so there's not really any reason not to get one (I've bought a few for around £5 each on there). It should increase your throughput dramatically, and increase the range you can use your wifi devices at. I'd also advise setting up MAC filtering and hiding your network from prying eyes if you do all this to make it more secure. Plenty of guides on the net for that, and it's very easy to do.
2) I don't get the audio sync issues you have, but then the quality of the audio via video recording is terrible, so I've not used it much. I've yet to try this, but perhaps plugging a microphone into the headset jack will help with your sync issue, just an idea to try. And if it doesnt help then perhaps another app would.
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Click to collapse
don't want to hijack but i have been using a netgear dg834 and am looking for a new router and a way to improve security as i use my wireless a lot more now so any links to tips or recomends for routers would be greats
combat goofwing said:
don't want to hijack but i have been using a netgear dg834 and am looking for a new router and a way to improve security as i use my wireless a lot more now so any links to tips or recomends for routers would be greats
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any well known brand (such as Belkin, Netgear, Linksys, Buffalo) will do you fine. Just check out their product page from the manufacturers website before you buy. Things that it should have as basic specs are a NAT firewall, 256bit WPA2 encryption, 2.4ghz operating spectrum and obviously compatibility with your current operating system. An easy to use setup is always a must for those not very confident in their tech abilities.

The Intricacies of Teathering over wifi

Hi guys I recently lost my cable service and I've been relying on my inspire for wifi around the house lately. I thought I'd share a few tidbits with you that I've gleaned from the experience.
My inspire is running cyanogen mod 7 nightlies and I found that it only broadcasts wifi on channel 6 - very annoying because most routers ship with channel 6 as the default (at least here in the US)
This means that if there are wifi networks near you your range is going to be unpleasant. If you have a wireless router in your house make sure you change it to channel 11 - that tends to significantly decrease interference issues between the two devices. Pick up a free wifi analyzer program in the market it will let you scan all the networks in the area and show you the free channels - very helpful if you're setting up a network in an apartment complex! Just keep in mind channel 6 needs to be free near your phone if you're tethering otherwise you'll suffer from some drastically reduced range and speed.
My wireless router is running dd-wrt and can broadcast on channels 12-14 as well - European and Japanese standards. The FCC probably wouldn't like it but it can seriously push my wifi out of the way of other networks. The inspire can NOT SEE THOSE CHANNELS. Not even with cm7 - I believe a kernel or radio fix could be implemented which would be nice.
I've tried bridging and sharing my wifi tethered desktop with the rest of my network but I've run across a few serious issues with the windows 7 network stack. It hates the fact that I have and use so many networks and network adapters. I'm going to push my luck some more but at the moment I'm content having finally gotten them to work together at the same time so I can stream some movies to the other systems in the house while tethered with my phone.
The most annoying issue I've found lately is that at&t seems to be monitoring my use of unusual ports. Every few days I find that many applications I depend on stop having access to the internet over the tethered connection - the ports get blocked - all but port 80 which only allows basic browsing. The best way that I've found to fix this is to shut the phone down properly, pull the battery, and turn it back on. It seems to lose it's specific network address and gain full port access again.
Just some food for thought guys, I thought I'd share this stuff with you because of the issues I've had making it work. Maybe it will help others to be less frustrated.
Here is a list of wishes:
The ability to change the broadcast channel while tethering
The ability to view, use, and broadcast on channels 12-14
The ability to increase transmit power by a few mw through a userland interface
Thanks for the info and I'm really sorry you lost your cable service
Me too - this economy sucks
Interesting info. What app are you using?

tethering using USB

Can the Surface RT USB tether to smartphones? I have an older LG P990. When I tethered to my normal PC it had to first quickly install AndroidNET or whatever. That makes me think that it won't work on the RT.
I need to be able to tether, I could just go the route of a mobile hotspot, but I don't like the idea of every single Chinese person on the train trying to steal my wifi. They are pros at stealing wifi in this country.
I heard you can tether using bluetooth. Is that possible on the Surface RT?
Thanks,
lgnationrc
I tether to Surface from my Galaxy Nexus over bluetooth. It disconnects all the time without any reason but haven't been able to figure out why. With BT I can enable it on phone and it shouldn't eat battery like having wifi hotspot all the time active. I just open the BT PAN from Surface with 2 button presses and it opens in 1 sec. Only if the disconnect issue could be solved...
A few points, for the record:
1: Windows RT *probably* supports USB modems, which is how most wired tethering is done (the phone presents itself to the PC as a USB modem). I haven't tried, though.
2: Unless you use a crappy password - and really, why would you; it's not like you'll need to remember it at any time that you can't access it - WPA2-PSK is effectively unbreakable.
3: Don't be sure that Bluetooth is that much more secure. It is shorter range and lower power, though... but it's also lower bandwidth. A decent cellphone connection (3G, not even terribly good 3G) will saturate it.
Thanks, I will try it and see how it goes. Otherwise I will use Wifi, have no choice. Wifi gets stolen here all the time, even with that kind of setup.
Thank you

Standalone Hotspot (MiFi) device vs. Tethering via smartphone benefits

What are the comparative advantages and disadvantages, when needing a hotspot to connect several devices, between choosing to use a dedicate hotspot (MiFi type) device versus using a dedicated smartphone that has a hotspot feature?
If using the smartphone option, the smartphone will be dedicated for hotspot use only and will not be used for any other purpose (such as voice calling, texting or even using data directly on the smartphone itself.) The smartphone will remain plugged into a power-outlet at all times and remain unmoved.
Some thoughts to consider are whether there are different limitations on the number of simultaneous connections between a dedicated hotspot versus a smartphone hotspot. Do devices built as a dedicated hotspot generally give a larger WiFi range coverage than the hotspot feature of a smartphone. Do one of these two options tend to have a higher speed connectivity for attached devices. Is there any downside to purchasing a used device. And, of course, cost-wise which can be procured least expensively and/or is a better cost-value. And any other important or relevant factor worth considering.
Whichever device is chosen would be LTE capable. (In this case to be used over the Sprint network.)
Which LTE capable (Sprint) smartphone with a built-in hotspot feature would be most suited for use as a dedicated device that will only be used as a hotspot (and have no other use)? The phone will remain in one place, attached to a power outlet, unmoved.
I would like to use the device on the Sprint network on an account without the hotspot feature enabled on the account level. So I would need to modify the device to be able to work in this manner. What modifications would I need to make on the phone so that it can be used as a hotspot (either directly on Sprint or on an MVNO such RingPlus or FreedomPop) without hotspot being active on the account? And how difficult would it be to make those modifications?
And what will be the effect on the battery considering the phone will remain connected to the wall plug 24/7, and how best to mitigate any battery issues?
Which LTE smartphone models are known to have better reception or range for hotspot use, in terms of best WiFi range, speed for connected devices and number of devices capable to connect to it? If desiring to keep costs for the device at a minimum, would a used device work any less well than a new one? And, of course, which specific models have the best cost/value proposition for use for this purpose? (Or, perhaps, for LTE hotspot only use there is little differences between most models?)
Moe Ginsburg said:
Which LTE capable (Sprint) smartphone with a built-in hotspot feature would be most suited for use as a dedicated device that will only be used as a hotspot (and have no other use)? The phone will remain in one place, attached to a power outlet, unmoved.
I would like to use the device on the Sprint network on an account without the hotspot feature enabled on the account level. So I would need to modify the device to be able to work in this manner. What modifications would I need to make on the phone so that it can be used as a hotspot (either directly on Sprint or on an MVNO such RingPlus or FreedomPop) without hotspot being active on the account? And how difficult would it be to make those modifications?
And what will be the effect on the battery considering the phone will remain connected to the wall plug 24/7, and how best to mitigate any battery issues?
Which LTE smartphone models are known to have better reception or range for hotspot use, in terms of best WiFi range, speed for connected devices and number of devices capable to connect to it? If desiring to keep costs for the device at a minimum, would a used device work any less well than a new one? And, of course, which specific models have the best cost/value proposition for use for this purpose? (Or, perhaps, for LTE hotspot only use there is little differences between most models?)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you intend to only use the device for WiFi, you are better off just buying something like MiFi.
The phone uses more power from the wall, doesn't have a dedicated antenna (so less coverage), may use it's network for checking for messages or calls, is more expensive, has useless components for it's purpose (speaker, BT, mic, camera, screen...)...
Benefits of a phone: you can program it to turn on/off hotspot at different times, ban someone for a specific amount of time, dynamic password changes (for ex. per day), capture traffic and analyze it (make sure this is legal)...
The decision is up to you really.
janekmuric said:
If you intend to only use the device for WiFi, you are better off just buying something like MiFi.
The phone uses more power from the wall, doesn't have a dedicated antenna (so less coverage), may use it's network for checking for messages or calls, is more expensive, has useless components for it's purpose (speaker, BT, mic, camera, screen...)...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How much of a difference in a) power usage and b) WiFi range coverage is there between a phone hotspot and a MiFi?
janekmuric said:
Benefits of a phone: you can program it to turn on/off hotspot at different times, ban someone for a specific amount of time, dynamic password changes (for ex. per day), capture traffic and analyze it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How can the phone be programmed to automatically shut off the hotspot at certain times or ban certain devices and automatically change the password or capture traffic logs?
How much of a difference in a) power usage and b) WiFi range coverage is there between a phone hotspot and a MiFi?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no way to tell because different phone models and different WiFi Access Points all have different antennas and designs, however WiFi APs are designed strictly for the purpose of sending WiFi signal so it's expected that they are giving out different results.
How can the phone be programmed to automatically shut off the hotspot at certain times or ban certain devices and automatically change the password or capture traffic logs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do it with Java. You can create Android apps with Java and install them on the phone, it's not easy and it's definitely a learning curve, but once you know how to use it you will find it very useful.
janekmuric said:
You can do it with Java. You can create Android apps with Java and install them on the phone, it's not easy and it's definitely a learning curve, but once you know how to use it you will find it very useful.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There aren't any generally available apps in the Play store that can do this?
Moe Ginsburg said:
There aren't any generally available apps in the Play store that can do this?
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Click to collapse
Not really. Not sure if it's because nobody thought of that before, or it's banned (changing passwords and stuff). There are definitely APIs for this.

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Bluetooth connection problems

Hey guys,
So basically I drive a 2016 Volvo V70 (car model not so important tbh) and before I got my Galaxy N20U I used to have an iPhone 8+.
At the time when I connected it to my car's bluetooth system, things used to run quite perfectly when playing music. Using the car's buttons I could rewind and fast-forward songs by pressing and holding in apps like Spotify.
Now with the Galaxy N20U, answering calls works sorta well, and I can skip songs forwards and backwards by short-pressing the car buttons, BUT I can't "slide" or "seek" the tracks, as in fast-forward or backwards, like I used to be able to do with the iPhone. I did all sorts of basic troubleshooting like unpairing and repairing the phone, resetting, trying other music players; but the problem still persists.
I messed around with the bluetooth connection type in Developer Mode settings on the Galaxy, but tbh I don't really understand what the settings mean or which one should be right. I'm not really aware what bluetooth version my car has either, but I think it would be an older version since it's 2014-2016 technology.
How can I fix it or tune the settings of the Galaxy in order to solve this? Or are there any apps I could install which fixes this issue?
Another problem with the Galaxy's BT connection is with my Windows 10 laptop. It's a pretty new laptop (HP Spectre 15 x360 2019) running the latest version of Windows 10.
Basically I did what everyone would do and I linked my Samsung to Windows, so I could have a similar continuity experience like Mac/iPhones have, like having a stable and automatic connection, picking up calls and texts from your laptop, and most importantly that your phone shares hotspot automatically through Bluetooth tethering when you're outside of home.
I tried several things like linking and unlinking through Microsoft's "Link Your Phone", and even tried with Samsung's Dex. I tried with both functions on, or one of them being unlinked.
The problem still persists, that it's not an automated and constant connection between the laptop and the phone, and that especially when it comes to automatic bluetooth tethering; then I always have to do it manually through clicking through several menus on Windows and creating an Access Point connecting to Bluetooth like some sort of a LAN connection. Every single time. And even when this connection is established, I'd see a LAN icon on the status bar (instead of signal bars) and when I expand the menu, it doesn't even list the current connection it is on (like "Samsung bla bla bla: Connected"). Instead I just get nearby WiFi networks and that it's searching. I DO get internet though and it works fine for the most part, but once I leave the room and the phone gets out of the range, or I put the laptop to standby, then I have to repeat the process all over again.
Even when I opt to sharing internet from my phone to the laptop through normal WiFi hotspot, I notice that the connection drops frequently.
To summarize, when it comes to both the car and my laptop, my Galaxy N20U does connect to them and offers the basic functionalities of the BT connection, BUT it misses other basic functionalities and it tends to be a half-baked, unstable connection.
Please help me out with this! Running the latest versions of softwares on all the named devices here.
For now turn off Developer options.
Clear the system cache on the boot menu
Reset network connections.
Pretty harmless and it may fix it...
dont have that problem

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