An Introduction To Wireless USB (WUSB)

An anonymous reader writes "This technical whitepaper by Rafael Kolic, a technology marketing manager in Intel's Corporate Technology Group, introduces Wireless USB (WUSB) and explains how it will impact device performance and mobility. The latest iteration of USB technology, WUSB will offer the same functionality as standard wired USB devices -- but without the cabling."

Comments

Doesn't this already exist?

[JayDiggity]

Ummm.. don't we already have something for that called Bluetooth? Hrm.

From the Bluetooth SIG Mission Statement:
Develop, publish and promote the preferred short-range wireless specification for connecting mobile products...

Uh...this could be

[iminplaya]

a problem.

Highlights

[the JoshMeister]

Here are some highlights for those too lazy to skim the article (or in case it gets Slashdotted)...

• The Wireless USB Promoter Group consists of (of course) Intel and MS, as well as HP, NEC, Philips Semiconductors, Samsung Electronics, and Agere Systems
• WUSB hosts can connect to as many as 127 WUSB devices at a time
• Targeted bandwidth of 480 Mbps (same as USB 2.0)
• The biggest selling point seems to be that it "will offer the same functionality as standard wired USB devices but without the cabling"

Re:How does this excel existing standards?

[Crypto Gnome]

(sigh) RTFA duude!

• target 480Mbps (ie USB2) expect to hit 1Gbps at some point
• Looks like they're spec'ing minimal "basic security" for the connection itself, as they go on to say "Higher levels of security involving encryption should be implemented at the application level", implying that encryption will not be part of the WUSB spec itself.
• "For example, typical PDAs use 250-400 mW without a radio connection, while typical cellular phones use 200 mW-300 mW with the primary WAN radio. Adding a WUSB radio should not increase power requirements any more than existing wireless technologies already employed today. "
• "connectivity at less than 10 meters"
• Cost is a result of production, not (necessarily) something you can just spec in the design. Although they do say "Low-cost implementation of WUSB will also be important to the successful integration of the technology. Implementation will follow the wired USB connectivity models as closely as possible to reduce development time and to preserve the low-cost, easy-to-use model, which has become pervasive in the PC industry. "