Wireless nirvana - life in a fully connected world

Summary form only given. The growth of mobile devices; driven mainly by voice communications and text messaging, has clearly been one of the major technological success stories of the last decade. However newer forms of services including Web access, multimedia messaging and video is driving the push for higher data rates in wide area networks (WAN). The adoption of personal area networking (PAN)-Bluetooth technology in these devices is also increasing due to lower cost, longer battery life and smaller size of devices such as headsets. The emergence of newer applications such as hands free operation in cars, use of cell phones as wide area personal gateways and the need to print pictures from camera cellphones are also drivers for Bluetooth adoption. In addition, deployment of wireless local area networks (LAN) in homes, enterprises and hot spots is creating new service opportunities for cellular, wireline carriers and broadband ISPs. The result of all these is a relentless need to integrate every form of wireless technology (PAN/LAN/WAN) in mobile devices. Such integration, while challenging, is possible due to advances in mixed-analog, digital and RF technologies. Ultimately, these devices will allow users the freedom to avail themselves of the best means of communication at all times and anywhere.