Wireless Communication: An Overview of Established and Emerging Technologies

Wireless communication is deeply embedded in the way we live, work and play. Whether it’s browsing the web from your couch, paying for shopping with your contactless card, or turning down the lights from your smartphone, most of us make use of the technologies without even thinking about them.

For those buying electronics systems, however, the way devices communicate is extremely important. For example, any new system you procure is likely to need to integrate with others you already have (or may buy in the future). If one uses a completely different communications technology from another, getting the two talking to one another could be challenging or even impossible. Equally, the equipment needs to use a communications technology that’s suitable for the environment you intend to deploy it in.

This is why Mouser have put together this guide to the major wireless communications technologies in use today, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and Z-Wave. It explores the key characteristics of each and outline some practical applications, to help you understand where each could fit into your ecosystem. It also looks at some emerging technologies to watch out for.