connectBlue WLAN modules with additional WLAN channels for full dual-band coverage

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M2M Connectivity has announced that connectBlue embedded wireless LAN (WLAN) modules have an expanded frequency channel range to fully cover both the 2.4 and 5 GHz ISM bands. The extended channel range makes it easier to use the modules according to local market preferences in order to plan for a robust and interference-free wireless connection.

Most WLAN devices have traditionally used the unlicensed 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. However, several more wireless technologies - such as Bluetooth, ZigBee and WirelessHART - also use the 2.4 GHz band, so the unlicensed 5 GHz band offers a less crowded radio space for WLAN. The strength of the 5 GHz band is the availability of 23 non-overlapping frequency channels - 20 more than what is available in the 2.4 GHz band. In other words, the 5 GHz band opens up the possibility for an interference-free and stable WLAN communication.

The connectBlue modules comprise the UART Serial Port Module OWS451, the SPI Module OWL221a, the SDIO Module OWL222a and the SPI Module OWL253. All these modules now encompass the 1-13 frequency channels of the 2.4 GHz band and the 36-165 frequency channels (U-NII Band 1, 2, 2e, 3) of the 5 GHz band.

The WLAN IEEE 802.11b/g/n radios use the 2.4 GHz band and the IEEE 802.11a/n radio uses the 5 GHz band. The 5 GHz band is divided up into sub-bands called U-NII bands (Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure). These U-NII bands have varying local market acceptance whereby the full 5 GHz channel coverage makes it easier for users to market their end products according to local requirements.