TABLE OF CONTENTS Radio frequency communications means sending and receiving signals using electromagnetic waves through the air. The RF communication systems are the only systems that are truly portable and wireless. Many applications require portability and wireless connections. RF communications can be used to bring signals, such as voice, data, audio, and video from the source that generates these signals to the home and distribute these types of signals through the home without running wires.
Wireless RF communications is becoming an important portable gateway to the Internet and other information sources, which allows the user to access information without being confined to specified locations. RF can be used in conjunction with other systems such as home PNA and PLC to enhance the coverage and add portability. RF Communications can also be used for mobile applications.
One of the drawbacks of wireless RF communications systems is the cost for high frequency parts. In the future, technology, including application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), the increased demand for high frequency parts, and competition between companies and manufacturers will allow for the cost of manufacturing RF systems to decrease.
RF communications is becoming a viable solution for bringing the information to the home and for distribution inside the home. Several of the standards to distribute RF in the home and to develop RF wireless net-works are included in this chapter.
RF systems require a transmitter for sending and transmitting information signals to a receiver. The transmitter uses an antenna in order...
