Integration of Wireless Technologies in Smart University Campus Environment: Framework Architecture

Bluetooth Networks

Bluetooth is an enabling communication technology that connects electrical devices wirelessly. It operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (license free) frequency band. Devices (such as smart phones, headsets, tablets, and portable computers) communicate and send data to each other without the need for cables. The main attracting features of Bluetooth are: low cost, low size, and low power.

The Main Features of Bluetooth are:

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  It can be operated in the free 2.4GHz frequency band;

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  Transmission range between 10-100m;

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  Supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections to enable both infrastructure ad hoc local wireless modes.

ZigBee Networks

ZigBee is a standard designed for sensor networks based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and created by the ZigBee Alliance (Specification, 2008), which incorporates hundreds of technological companies. ZigBee standard protocol was introduced by the ZigBee Alliance In 2002. ZigBee adopted IEEE 802.15.4 standards for its Physical Layer (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols. Moreover it defines the network layer specifications and provides the framework for the application layer (Farahani, 2008).

ZigBee work in Personal Area Networks (PAN’s) and device – to – device network, connectivity between small packet devices and control in many of applications such as light, switches, etc. ZigBee is originally designed o target battery power applications with low data rate, low cost, low power consummation and long battery life. ZigBee-based wireless devices operate in 868 MHz, 915 MHz, and 2.4 GHz frequency bands. The maximum data rate is 250 K bits per second.