BlueSky Frequently Asked Questions

 
General
Applications & Usage
Technical
  1. What is BlueSky?
  2. How can I set up a BlueSky network?
  3. What software do I need to install to use BlueSky adapter?
  4. Which devices are supported? Can I connect my WinCE device using BlueSky?
  5. I want to use BlueSky. When can I get a test unit?
  1. What is the communication range of BlueSky?
  2. How long does the battery last?
  3. What Applications can I run over BlueSky network?
  4. Can I roam from one access point to other access point?
  5. Can I use BlueSky to communicate with another handheld device?
  1. Is BlueSky a wireless Modem?
  2. How does BlueSky differ from 802.11 wireless LANs?
  3. How can I run TCP/IP over BlueSky?
  4. How is roaming supported? Does BlueSky support Mobile IP?
  5. What are the radio technical specifications?
 

 

General
 
What is BlueSky?
BlueSky is a wireless networking solution for connecting palmtop devices to the wired network.
How can I set up a BlueSky network?
To set up a BlueSky network you need two components; a wireless adapter that plugs into the serial port of the device and an access point that plugs into 10BaseT Ethernet. 
What software do I need to install on my palmtop?
You do not need to install any new software. BlueSky appears like a phone modem to your handheld device. You only need to set the modem speed @ 56Kbps and turn hardware flow control on.
Which devices are supported? Can I connect my WinCE device using BlueSky?
Any device with a serial port connector can be connected to BlueSky. We have not yet tested BluSky with a WinCE device yet, nevertheless the combination should work. 
I want to use BlueSky. When can I get a test unit?
Sorry, only three experimental units are available at the moment. If you want to see this stuff drop by our lab.
 

Applications & Usage
 
What is the communication range of BlueSky?
With the current cordless radio, the range is about 10-15 meters (similar to a cordless phone).
How long does the battery last?
The answer depends on usage. Typical life is about 6-8 hours.
What Applications can I run over BlueSky network?
Everything that runs on serial cable will also run on BlueSky without any modification at all. Some good examples are: wireless hot sync, web browsing, telnet. For more networking applications on PalmPilot click here.
Can I roam from one access point to other access point?
Yes, roaming between access point will be supported. As you move from one access point to another, all active network connections will automatically be handed off to the new access point. 
Can two BlueSky devices communicate peer-to-peer?
Yes devices can communicate peer-to-peer, but an access point is needed to mediate the connection.
 

Technical

 
 
Is BlueSky adapter a wireless modem?
BlueSky wireless link can be viewed as a replacement for a null modem serial cable. Also, using the BlueSky MAC protocol  several serial port devices can simultaneously be connected to the same serial port. 
How does BlueSky differ from 802.11 wireless LANs?
BlueSky uses a slotted, polling based MAC protocol which is specifically designed to be power efficient. A wireless cell consists of one access-point and multiple remote units. The access point arbitrates access to the medium. 
How can I run TCP/IP over BlueSky?
BlueSky can be viewed as an asynchronous serial link. If you can run PPP over serial line, you can also run TCP/IP over Bluesky.
How is roaming supported? Does BlueSky support Mobile IP?
 See the cordless networking paper for details.
What are the radio technical Specifications?
Same as that of any cordless phone radio.
 
 


This page is maintained by Pravin Bhagwat. For any comments or questions send mail to pravin@watson.ibm.com