Wi-Fi links cut embedded Internet costs

摘要

One challenge of embedded Internet has been its high cost. While the price of embedded Internet devices has dropped with lower processor and memory costs-for example, embedded Ethernet-enabled controllers are less than $100-wiring remains costly, averaging $6 to $8 per foot for an Ethernet installation. As a result, installing 10/100-Mbit/second ports costs from $200 to $800 each, depending on whether the installation is in a residential or a commercial setting. Fiber installations are only slightly higher because most of the costs are for installation rather than ports or wiring. In contrast, wireless connectivity using Wi-Fi technology is economical and relatively free of risk. There are several standards from which to choose: 802.11a (54 Mbits/s at 5 GHz), 802.11g (54 Mbits/s at 2.4 GHz) and 802.11b (11 Mbits/s at 2.4 GHz), with 802.11b being particularly, interesting for embedded applications.