Global Navigation Satellite System

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS):

GNSS is a system of satellites that provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning with global coverage. It allows small electronic receivers to determine their location (longitude, latitude and altitude) within a few meters using time signals transmitted along a line-of-sight by radio signals from satellites. Receivers calculate the precise time as well as position, which can be used as a reference for various applications. GPS (Global Positioning System) is a GNSS from USA whereas GLONASS is from Russia. GNSS technology can operate over 100 kilometers but have very low data rate of less than 0.1 kbps. Compared to other wireless technologies it consumes moderate power and one of the main applications of GNSS is to assist in navigation.

Bluetooth (BT):

Bluetooth is an open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions in the band from 2400-2480 MHz) between fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. In 1994 telecom vendor Ericsson created Bluetooth technology. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group, widely known as BT SIG manages Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth4.0 can operate well within 10 meters, supports high data rate of 3Mbps (Enhanced Data Rate, EDR) and consumes ultra low power using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy). One of the main applications of Bluetooth is through mobile accessories such as hands-free headset.

Frequency Modulation (FM):

In telecommunications and signal processing, FM conveys information over a carrier wave by varying its instantaneous frequency. FM operates well within few kilometers and has a low data rate of few kbps. Compared to other wireless technologies FM consumes moderate power. One of the main applications of FM is the use of very high frequency radio signals for high-fidelity broadcasts of music and speech over metro areas.

ANT+:

ANT+ is a proprietary wireless sensor network technology. ANT+ is primarily designed for collection and transfer of sensor data, to manageable units of various types. The three main areas of operation are sport, wellness and home health. It can be used for data-transfer for a number of devices such as heart rate monitor, speed sensor, cadence sensors, foot pods, activity monitor etc. ANT+ works well within 10 meters and has a low data rate of few kbps. Compared to other wireless technologies, ANT+ consumes ultra low power.

Near Field Communication (NFC):

It is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish radio communication with each other by bringing them into close proximity, usually no more than a few centimeters and it has a very low data rate of few kbps. Compared to other wireless technologies, NFC