The design and implementation of HomeRF: a radio frequency wireless networking standard for the connected home

The HomeRF Working Group (WG) is a consortium of more than 100 companies from the computer, telecommunications, and consumer electronics industries. This group has developed an open specification called the Shared Wireless Access Protocol-Cordless Access (SWAP-CA) that enables radio frequency (RF) wireless connectivity between a diverse set of devices and computing resources in and around a typical home. Built around an RF spectrum with worldwide availability, SWAP-CA includes operational support for both managed and ad hoc networks of devices. It combines and extends wireless networking and cordless telephony into a single unified protocol allowing mobile devices to communicate via both voice and data traffic simultaneously over the Internet and/or over the public switched telephone network (PSTN). For batter-operated devices, it includes a power management mechanism than ensures connection longevity. The technology has been specifically optimized for consumer applications and price points, and, consequently, the HomeRF WG has the broad backing of the major corporate stakeholders interested in enabling tetherless networking within the home.