Wireless Mouse

The mouse is an extremely popular technology to interact with your computer. While the majority of mice are connected directly to the computers peripheral input via a cord and are powered by the computers main power, wireless mice are becoming extremely popular to give computer users cordless accessibility to their mice and to interact with their computer.

 

Wireless Mouse Technology

Wireless mice usually work via radio frequencies commonly referred to as RF. RF wireless mice require two components to work properly a radio transmitter and a radio receiver.A radio frequency (RF) transmitter is usually integrated inside the mouse. The mouse records its movements and buttons that are clicked and then sends this information via radio signals to the receiver. The radio frequency (RF) receiver usually connects to the computer's peripheral mouse input. It receives these RF signals, decodes them and then sends these signals directly to the computer as normal. RF receivers usually come in a few styles. The majority come as built in components that connect to the mouse input, others can be a separate card that is installed in one of the many expansion slots of computers and the third type of receiver is a separate unit that is then connected to a cable going directly to the computer's peripheral input. Since the technology has been mastered, most wireless mice have integrated receivers that plug into a computer's peripheral input and are very small in size.

 Wireless mice mainly use Radio frequencies to transmit data from the mouse to the computer. The most common type of RF used is the 802.11b or 802.11g. These frequencies operate at 2.4 gigahertz and at these frequencies a mouse can transfer data at pretty quick speeds, usually either 11 Mbps or 56 Mbps. 2.4 gigahertz frequencies are very stable and usually have little or no interference in a work or home environment. They also have a decent range of about 100 to 150 feet which is more than enough for mouse operation. 

Another technology that is emerging and now beginning to be used in large numbers for wireless mice is  Bluetooth RF technology. Bluetooth is commonly known to connect computers to peripherals such as keyboards, printers, PDA's, and headsets. Bluetooth is similar to 802.11b and 802.11g in that it uses 2.4 gigahertz frequencies, however, it also uses software called adaptive frequency hopping to choose frequencies that have no or little interference. Sometimes 802.11b and g can receive interfere from home appliances such as microwave ovens and cordless telephones. Bluetooth also has decent range, usually about 33 feet.

 

Advantages of Wireless Mouse

 

RF wireless mice are a great technology because of their overall reliability and stability. Other forms of communication such as Infrared technology need to be in "line of sight" in order to work properly which makes using them with a mouse impractical. 

Some of the reasons that RF technology is great for wireless mice includes the fact that the RF transmitter housed in the mouse requires low power. Usually, RF wireless mice are powered by small, light weight batteries that are either disposable or usually rechargeable with an included recharging dock. 

RF wireless mice are also inexpensive. RF wireless mice are lightweight, so it means you can move them comfortable and easily. 

As with most mice on the market today, wireless mice use optical sensor technology rather than the earlier track-ball system. Optical technology improves accuracy and lets you use the wireless mouse on almost any surface -- an important feature when you're not tied to your computer by a cord.

 

Disadvantages of Wireless Mouse

There are some significant disadvantages to a wireless mouse: 

Batteries - the mouse has to be powered somehow, which means you're going to be replacing the batteries every time they run low, which can end up costing you a significant amount of money in the long run. 

Wireless signal - since the mouse is wireless it's susceptible to wireless interference. If you find that you get a lot of wireless interference with your other devices, there's a good chance your mouse will run into the same problems, causing you to not be able to use your mouse at all!

Types of Wireless Mice

 

Today, there are three different mice technologies, mechanical, optical and laser. Mechanical mice use a small rubber ball to calculate distance and position. However these mice are very rarely manufactured anymore due to the fact that they get dirty easily and are slow to process information.

 

Optical mice are the de facto standard for mice today; they use optical light to calculate distance and position. They are extremely inexpensive, extremely reliable and process information quickly.An optical mouse uses a light-emitting diode and photodiodes to detect movement relative to the underlying surface, rather than moving some of its parts as in a mechanical mouse.The optical mouse technology was invented by Travis N. Blalock, Richard A. Baumgartner, Thomas Hornak, and Mark T. Smith at HP Labs. 

A new technology that is out is Laser Mice. Instead of optical light, they use laser light to precisely calculate movement and position. They are extremely precise, reliable and process information extremely quick. In addition, they are not as subject to gumming up and subsequent distortion of the signal as conventional ball mice. The lack of moving parts also makes them far less subject to damage. Most gamers use Laser Mice because of their high performance. However they are much more expensive than optical mice.

Security and Mouse Set Up 

Pairing is the process of coordinating your mouse's transmitter with your mouse's receiver. It requires both parts to operate on the same frequencies, usually by using the same identification code. Pairing takes place to try to el

iminate interference. Some devices automatically pair both devices at start up; others need to be manually paired. 

Security is always an issue when you are sending information over the air. Most mice effectively secure your information by encrypting data. Other methods can include frequency hopping to prevent hacking or eavesdropping.