Answers: Wireless Technologies

1.Infrared technology is based on the use of low-frequency light waves and has a short range of approximately 5 metres (1), and the signal cannot penetrate through walls or other obstructions (1).

2.Personal headsets used by members to receive sound from the TV / entertainment systems (1) using the infrared transmitter integrated into the exercise machines (1). Also remote controllers used by the leisure centre staff (1) to set up TV and entertainment media in the gym (1).

3.Line of sight requires the transmitter and receiver (1) to be directly aligned for communication (1).

4.Two advantages are: high security as signal is short-range (1) and very directional so very unlikely to be intercepted (1), and low interference from other devices (1) so can be used for high-quality sound reproduction (1).

5.Bluetooth technology is mainly used to connect mobile electronic devices automatically once they are in range (1). Bluetooth operates on low-power, short-wave radio signals within a range of approximately 10 metres (1); it is used widely to connect peripherals (1) such as a mouse or keyboard to smartphones or tablet computer devices (1).

6.A Bluetooth device needs to be paired before it can commence communication (1). Set the device you want to pair with the computer into discovery mode (1). View a list of discoverable devices that are in range of the computer (1) and connect the required device from the list, entering a PIN number if required (1).

7.Wearable heart rate monitor is provided by the leisure centre; it communicates with the gym equipment using Bluetooth technology and displays the heart rate of the member (1). This is a benefit to the member as they are connected wirelessly (1), which is more convenient when running on a treadmill (1), and they can monitor their heart rate to ensure they keep within safe limits (1).

8.Two advantages of using Bluetooth technology are the automatic connection between Bluetooth devices (1) once they have been paired (1) and the low power usage (1), so ideal for battery-operated devices such as: tablet computers, smartphones, mice, keyboards (1).

9.Wi-Fi is a technology that permits wireless connection between electronic devices (1) to share data or to access the Internet (1).

10.Mobile device translates data into radio signals (1) and transmits them using an antenna (1). Next the wireless router accepts the radio signal (1) and decodes it (1). The router then directs the decoded information (1) to the network/Internet using a wired connection (1).

11.Members can use the Wi-Fi for personal use (1) to carry out tasks such as using social media, email or generally browsing the Internet (1). They can also log on and view their personal profile (1) to get details of their sports performance and attendance, or classes they have booked (1). Finally, members can browse the public area of the leisure centre website (1) where they can obtain details of forthcoming events at the centre or view videos that show how to use certain items of gym equipment (1).

12.The benefits of Wi-Fi are that connections can be made without the need for wires (1). This makes a network more flexible (1) as workstations can be moved without the need to modify network cabling (1). It is also beneficial in locations where it is not possible to fix wires, such as in sports centres and in entertainment venues (1).