One of the best uses of a smartphone is to access information on the go. A smartphone will provide several options for wireless connectivity. We'll explain these options and provide some examples of when to use a particular connection mode. We'll start with the short-range modes and work our way up.

Infrared (IrDA or IR)
Infrared is a non-visible beam of light used to transfer data between devices. It is a line-of-sight connection that reduces it's effectiveness and speed as the distance between devices increases. IrDA has been around for a while and is typically used in many electronic devices for remote control. Some Windows Mobile devices have a commercial grade IrDA port that allows you to use it as a universal remote control (with software such as Nevo or Philips Pronto). Because of infrared's low data rate and short operating range, you'd only want to use it for point-to-point data transfers such as small files (less than 10 MB) or MP3s. The best part of IrDA is it's ease of use. Connections between devices are quick and painless with no configuration necessary, just send and point.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a newer technology whose main advantages are low power consumption and short-range wireless capability. These two features make it ideal for use in battery-operated devices. Bluetooth uses radio technology so it doesn't require a line-of-sight proximity with other devices. You can use Bluetooth technology to create a personal area network (PAN) Typical uses for Bluetooth are:

• Headsets
• Keyboard, mouse
• Print files to a Bluetooth-enabled printer
• Sync PIM information between smartphone or PDA with desktop
• Wireless modem connections for laptop via cellular phone
• Wireless connection to portable GPS receivers

Bluetooth use is expanding. Even cars are starting to incorporate Bluetooth for hands-free phone connections. For all of the benefits, the only downside to Bluetooth is the sometimes flaky recognition and setup between devices. This was true of early Bluetooth implementations. Newer devices with Bluetooth seem to have fixed this problem. Check with the manufacturer or test it out before you buy.

Wi-Fi
Wireless fidelity (wireless LAN or WLAN) consists of the 802.11 standards (see table below). The Wi-Fi moniker has been attached primarily to 802.11b due to it's popularity and lack of knowledge by sales people. Part of 802.11b's popularity in laptops and mobile devices is due to it's lower power consumption over it's 802.11a and 802.11g counterparts. Wi-Fi capability can be added to some devices through third-party CF or SDIO cards.
Wi-Fi is generally used to connect a device to a LAN in order to access the Internet. LAN (Local Area Network) access is accomplished either through a wireless access point (at home or in an office) or through hotspots (as found in Starbucks, for example). It is possible to make point-to-point connections between two devices but the process isn't easy.

Long Range Connectivity
Cellular carriers create wide area networks (WAN) by way of their coverage areas. You access that wireless network through your cellular phone or smartphone. The type of data connection depends on the technologies implemented by the cellular carriers.
Industry lingo for cellular network technologies:
- First Generation (1G): Analog
- Second Generation (2G): CDMA, GSM. TDMA
- Pseudo Third Generation (2.5G): 1xRTT, GPRS, EDGE
- Third Generation (3G): CDMA2000, WCDMA, HSDPA, EvDO You'll be charged a separate data fee in addition to your regular plan to access these networks. Check with the carrier for more details.