Specifications

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(Mbps), which is overkill for our system. By adjusting throughput to 1 Mbps, we
can extend the indoor range from 30 meters, to 90 meters, which is again more
than enough for our system. Additionally, Wi-Fi® has many security measures in
place, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA, WPA2) and Wired Equivalent
Privacy (WEP) encryptions to protect the wireless networks security.
After analyzing the capabilities of IEEE 802.11 b Wi-Fi®, it is clear that this
method is perfect for meeting the system‟s requirement of connecting to the
internet wirelessly. With an internet connection, data can be exchanged and the
user will have access to the system and the settings, and can monitor and control
the system.
Bluetooth, ZigBee and Wi-Fi® are all excellent forms of wireless communication.
With so many pros and cons of each, choosing the correct method for optimal
performance is essential. Table XX below outlines the wireless methods. For the
requirement of the secondary microcontroller wirelessly communication, the
802.15.4 ZigBee protocol is the ideal choice. And for the main microcontroller‟s
connection to the internet, 802.11 b Wi-Fi® is an excellent choice. Table 8 shown
below outlines key features of the wireless protocol.
Wireless Protocols
Bluetooth
(Class 1)
ZigBee
(802.15.4)
Wi-Fi®
(802.11 b)
Optimal Range (indoor):
~100 meter
10 – 75 meters
30 meters
Frequency Band:
2.4 GHz ISM
band
2.4 GHz ISM
band
2.4 GHz ISM
band
Communication type:
WPANs
PANs
WLAN
Power required to
operate:
100mW
1mW
100mW
Cost of implementation:
Low Cost
Low Cost
Medium Cost
Bandwidth:
1 Mbps
0.250 Mbps
11 Mbps
Encrypted:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Primary Use:
Data exchange
over short
distances
Small, low
powered
devices
Mobile
Internet
Table 8 Wireless protocols key features
Now that we have selected the wireless methods and protocols that are capable
of completing the necessary tasks required, finding the appropriate wireless
module chips is the next step. The wireless module for connecting the main
microcontroller to the internet must have some basic requirements which are
listed below in Table 9. For the secondary microcontroller to communicate with