Wireless USB is a term that can refer to any of several technologies that use a computer’s USB ports for wireless LANs.
Wireless USB over UWB
Certified Wireless USB is an industry standard for USB wireless networks based on ultra-wideband (UWB) signaling technology. Computer peripherals enabled with certified wireless USB interfaces connect and communicate wirelessly with a standard USB port on a computer. Certified wireless USB can support data speeds of up to 480 Mbps (megabits per second).→ See also – Wireless USB from the USB Implementers Forum (usb.org)
Wi-Fi Wireless USB Adapters
External Wi-Fi adapters are usually connected to the USB port of a computer. These adapters are casually called “Wireless USB,” even though the protocol used for signaling is Wi-Fi. Network speeds are limited accordingly; for example, a USB adapter for 802.11g can handle a maximum of 54 Mbps.
Other wireless USB technologies
There are also several wireless USB adapters that support alternatives to Wi-Fi:
- Bluetooth
- IrDA infrared
- other proprietary signaling technology
Some examples of these products are Belkin Mini Bluetooth adapters and various Xbox 360 peripherals.