When devices whisper to each other – Part 4: Near Field Communication (NFC)

So far, we have talked about short distance communication methods where a fairly powerful radio transmitter is used to communicate with devices within a room or in the next room. Today, we will see a method which is effective only when the devices are within millimetres or at most centimetres of each other? Why would you need communication over such an ultra-short distance at all? Let’s find out. Continue reading “When devices whisper to each other – Part 4: Near Field Communication (NFC)”

When devices whisper to each other – Part 3: Bluetooth Low Energy

In the last post of this series, we learned about Bluetooth Classic, the traditional Bluetooth that has been around for more than two decades. Today, we look at a variation of Bluetooth that was introduced half a decade ago in order to support really small devices running all day: Bluetooth Low Energy. Continue reading “When devices whisper to each other – Part 3: Bluetooth Low Energy”

When devices whisper to each other – Part 1: Intro

Hello Internet. Today I am starting a series of posts that will explain how devices whisper to each other. Er.. what does that mean? Well, when devices are within a few millimetres to single digits of metres of each other, they don’t need to shout out, do they? That’s why we are learning about a few communication protocols that are used when devices are near each other.

“But isn’t it better that devices are able to communicate from really far away? What’s the point if they just communicate when really close?” Bear with me, as I am going to give you some good reasons for why devices should communicate only when close to each other. Continue reading “When devices whisper to each other – Part 1: Intro”