Wireless confusion set to be tamed

Companies working on Bluetooth and Ultrawideband (UWB) wireless networking technologies are combining their efforts, prompting hopes that the industry will become more streamlined.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group is expected to announce that it will work with UWB developers to make their wireless networking technologies compatible.

The move will allow developers and eventually consumers to take advantage of the high transfer rates of the UWB technology - between 100 megabits and 200 megabits over a 10- to 20-foot range - on the broad array of devices that now include Bluetooth technology, meaning that data will flow faster.

There are a number of incompatible networking technologies, such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communications, UWB, Wi-Fi and Zigbee, which have some similar applications but are better tuned for different situations. For example, Wi-Fi has a good range and throughput but can consume a significant amount of battery life in portable devices.

Combining the efforts of Bluetooth and UWB supporters is a natural evolution for the wireless networking market, analysts say.

Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG, said the motivation behind the move came from several driving factors. Key members of the Bluetooth SIG are also crucial players in the development of the UWB specification - including Intel and Motorola. With the proliferation of digital media, it was apparent higher rates would be necessary to make it easier for consumers to send and receive data.

"Within the SIG as we worked on our multi-year roadmap, it was apparent that higher rates would be necessary," said Foley. "Then we debated whether to collaborate or combine. Protecting the install base was very important."

"Working on your own on obstacles we have in common was proving time, resource and money intensive," he added.

There are still details to be worked out in the agreement. The UWB specification is heatedly debated by two industry groups with opposing proposals for a standard. The Bluetooth SIG will work with both groups, but a single solution would be better, Foley said. Additionally, the UWB specification still needs approval from European and Asian regulatory bodies.

Products are expected in a couple of years, said Foley, with the first likely being PC and display-related devices.

Richard Shim writes for CNET New.com