USB has become ubiquitous, edging out firewire as the data transfer specification of choice. You can connect anything from keyboards to network adapters to VGA adapters into a USB port and get plug-and-play operability almost instantly. In addition, you can run multiple (several hundred, supposedly) USB devices from a single port with the use of a hub. However, USB’s strength is also its weakness. As any USB-o-phile will tell you, after connecting the tenth USB device, you've developed quite a rat’s nest of cables behind your computer, making it nearly impossible to extricate any one USB cable from the mix, to say nothing of the unsightly mess.
In 2004 a group of tech industry leaders including NEC, Microsoft, Samsung, and HP formed the Wireless USB Promoters Group. This industry charge, led by computer chip giant Intel is seeking to eliminate the tangles and frustrations of wired peripherals by introducing a new wireless USB (WUSB) standard that operates on wireless radio frequencies. Imagine this: you come home with a new printer. You put it on the desk next to your computer, and voi la! The computer detects your printer and syncs it up. No wires, no mess, no hassle. Envision this same scenario with speakers, cameras, camcorders, cell phones, MP3 players, and the list goes on and on. Ultimately the goal is to have a wire-free computer (excepting the power source, of course.)
This is only the beginning of possible WUSB applications. WUSB could easily become the de facto standard for all consumer electronics that are currently wired. Picture a surround sound stereo system with wireless speakers. Or imagine connecting your DVD player, cable or satellite box, stereo receiver, and computer to your high-definition TV all without wires. The permutations of this technology are nearly limitless.
Now for the nitty-gritty details. According to USB.org, this technology will deliver data at 480 mbps at 3 meters (about 10 feet) and 100 mbps at 10 meters (about 30 feet). Concerned about the security of the signal? Built-in protocols, authentication procedures and encryption all prevent anyone from hijacking your devices. Apparently WUSB will also have power-saving features, including auto sleep and awaken functions that detect when your device is (and isn’t) in use. For early adopters, the first WUSB devices will include dongles that will allow conversion from a current wired USB port to a wireless USB signal. The first WUSB products are tentatively slated to release around December 2006.
Nathan Kartchner does product development for Sewell Direct, an online company that specializes in connectivity devices. Sewell Direct will be providing updates as this critical technology continues to develop, and will be making new wireless USB devices available as early as possible.
