In this blog, we’re revisiting the topic of connections, but this time, we’re leaving cables behind and jumping into the world of wireless communication. Wireless technologies are everywhere today, from payment systems and gaming devices to keyboards and remotes. While there are many different types of wireless connections, we’ll focus on three that you should know for the A+ certification exam: Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and Infrared (IR). We’ll be going in alphabetical order, because why not?
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology primarily used for connecting peripherals such as headsets, keyboards, mice, and speakers. It’s also capable of file transfers, allowing devices to form a simple type of LAN (Local Area Network), although this use is less common today.
To use Bluetooth, both devices must have Bluetooth capabilities, a transmitter and a receiver. These devices operate within three different power classes:
Bluetooth speeds are relatively slow compared to wired standards, ranging from about 70 Kilobits per second on older versions to around 25 Megabits per second on newer implementations like Bluetooth 5.0. While not built for large file transfers, Bluetooth remains a solid option for connecting everyday devices wirelessly.
If Bluetooth seems short-range, NFC takes it to another level, literally. NFC operates over an incredibly short distance, typically around 4 inches. You’ve probably encountered it when using tap-to-pay features with your smartphone or contactless credit cards.
NFC is great for secure, low-power, and quick interactions, such as confirming payments or sharing small amounts of data. Its data transfer speed tops out at about 400 Kilobits per second, which is slower than Bluetooth, but acceptable for its limited use cases.
Other interesting uses of NFC include gaming and theme park technology. For example, Nintendo’s Amiibo figures use NFC to interact with games, and Disney's MagicBands rely on NFC for ticketing and hotel access. While these are cool applications, you’re unlikely to deal with them in most IT roles, unless you’re working tech support at Disney World.
Last on the list is Infrared (IR), often the overlooked sibling in the wireless family. IR is best known for being the technology behind TV remotes. It uses light waves (just outside the visible spectrum) to send signals between a blaster (transmitter) and a receiver.
The major limitation of IR is that it requires line-of-sight. If something blocks the path, or if you're not pointing the remote directly at the sensor, it won’t work. That said, when perfectly aligned and at very short range, IR can achieve data speeds of up to 15 Megabits per second. But speed quickly drops as the distance increases, even though IR uses light, which still takes a (tiny) bit of time to travel.
IR is rarely used outside of remote controls today, mostly due to its directional limitation and lower versatility compared to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Still, it’s a key concept you’ll need to recognize for the A+ exam.
Each wireless connection type we’ve discussed, Bluetooth, NFC, and IR, has specific use cases and limitations. You probably wouldn’t want to use NFC to control your TV or expect IR to wirelessly connect your headphones. While these technologies may not be interchangeable, they all play important roles in modern IT systems and user convenience.
We’ve only scratched the surface here, focusing on basic functionality and use cases. There’s still a lot more to explore, especially around security protocols and how these technologies interact with other devices and systems. Be sure to check back for a future blog where we’ll dive into the security aspects of these wireless technologies, and how to keep your connections safe.