Advantages of Wi-fi Module

wireless module

Wireless connectivity is necessary for the Internet of Things (IoT) to be widely used. However, there are various wireless possibilities, and not every item can be IP addressed, which is a requirement for the Internet of Things. Additionally, RF design is intrinsically challenging. Few businesses have the necessary capabilities to execute RF and antenna design, and even when they do, it takes time to keep the design current with the latest standards and pass FCC compliance.

There is a very reliable and tested solution for wireless networking and the IoT for designers. Wi-Fi and the utilisation of modules are those options. This article will explain why, provide some design suggestions, talk about upcoming IEEE 802.11 protocol changes, and demonstrate how to connect ZigBee to Wi-Fi for native IP addressability.

There are numerous wireless interface choices, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi, and RFID. Each has a special balance of power, range, data speeds, mesh networking, interference immunity, and usability. However, some interfaces cannot be addressed directly or communicate with servers and other devices over the Internet since they are not yet native-IP capable. The final solution is then more expensive and complex because these call for a different gateway.

Wi-Fi stands out in this regard since it is based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, has native IP addressability, is widely used, is well-understood, and can scale well in terms of data rates to minimise power consumption. Given that there are more than 6.8 billion installed Wi-Fi-capable devices, the likelihood of finding a nearby Wi-Fi access point is quite high (Figure below). Also keep in mind that 802.11 standards are also IPv6 compliant, therefore the number of unique addresses is virtually unlimited.

After deciding on Wi-Fi for an Internet of Things application, the designer is frequently faced with the difficult task of creating a unique RF implementation, which takes time, money, and knowledge. Direct RFIC integration and the ability to specify board-level components like filters, amplifiers, clocks, capacitors, inductors, crystal oscillators, and the antennas that must be included are among the minimal design requirements for creating a wireless device. In order to prevent signal loss, network-matching circuitry is also required to make sure that the radio and antenna are properly matched. System design, software stack development, device security, connection dependability, signal interference and degradation, and last but not least, FCC certification, are other knowledge domains.

Given that not every electronics company has access to RF design knowledge, how is this task completed within standard time-to-market parameters? Utilizing a pre-packaged module is a common technique to add Wi-Fi functionality. This method makes the process much simpler. Modules can offer businesses a quick, simple route to market with what is effectively a plug-and-play solution, reducing the requirement for software development. Modules are supplied tested, calibrated, and pre-certified to the appropriate standards by the module manufacturer. Additionally, during the design integration phase, manufacturers who create Wi-Fi modules might serve as your RF advisors.

For brand owners, USI offers design, miniaturization, material procurement, production, logistics, and after-sales services for electronic devices/modules. Across the four continents of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, Asteelflash provides a diverse range of products in the areas of wireless communication, computer and storage, consumer, industrial, medical, and automotive electronics. With a diverse worldwide presence and miniaturization solutions, they strive to become the most dependable provider of electronic design, manufacturing services, and modularization.

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