As computer connectivity continues to evolve, there is a definite push towards wireless. The idea of wireless connectivity is not new. IrDA, or infrared wireless communication has been around for a while. IrDA uses pulsed infrared light waves to provide wireless connectivity to printers, cell phones, PDAs, laptops and other devices. IrDA is fairly limited in its usage parameters, requiring close proximity and direct line of sight between IrDA ports. These limitations have led to the marginalization of the standard as a feasible method for wireless communication.

In recent years, however, we have seen an explosion of wireless technologies. One of the most prevalent wireless technologies has been the 802.11 standard for local area computer networks. This standard uses low-level radio waves to transmit data across the network at reasonably high speeds (up to 54 mbps). The popularity of this wireless standard is the fact that it isnt limited by line-of-sight rules. Internet and other network resources can be accessed through walls or other obstacles without the hassle of wires. This technology has found devoted followers among laptop users who dislike having to carry Ethernet cables to plug into networks wherever they travel.

Bluetooth is yet another wireless technology that has been created to cater to the desires of wire-haters everywhere. Bluetooth was created with the intention of giving computer and consumer electronics users a method of connecting peripherals and devices without the hassle of wires. The Bluetooth standard uses a secure wireless pairing protocol to establish a link between the two Bluetooth enabled devices, after which the two devices are allowed to converse freely via low-level radio waves. Bluetooth has been used in Macs (Apple was a primary advocate for the standard), wireless keyboards and mice, and more particularly in cell phones and hands-free headsets.

A fairly recent wireless technology allows VGA and PS/2 over radio waves. Wireless VGA essentially allows you to create a separate workstation up to 100 feet away from the source without having to run extension cables to the workstation. Other possible uses include running VGA signals to a ceiling-mounted projector or transmitting graphics to a wall mounted LCD or plasma advertising display. This wireless VGA technology is still in its infancy, however, and current implementation only allows for use in commercial, school, or government settings. Regardless of current limitations, this technology marks a major step towards eliminating cables from our everyday computer use. Imagine having a mainframe-type central computer in the home or office, with wireless screens and workstations spread throughout that could be relocated as easily as moving a picture on the wall or shifting a desk. Such are the possibilities.

Another developing and yet-to-be released technology that is looking to build upon the current push for wireless connectivity is the Wireless USB standard. Supported by companies like Intel, Microsoft, and NEC, this standard is intended to build upon the popularity of the current USB 2.0 standard, with a focus on ease and universality of connection using a completely wire-free platform. This technology is theoretically so flexible that it may find its way into ubiquitous use in the consumer electronics market. One particularly intriguing potential use is in the audio/visual sector. Wireless USB-enabled TVs, DVD players, stereo receivers and speakers could all be made to connect to each other wirelessly, giving you unrivalled flexibility in your audio/visual setup. This is a faster, more widespread and easier to use improvement on the wireless VGA technology. Obviously, wireless technology is still in its infant state, but as the technology continues to mature, the possibilities are endless.