Wireless Communications

4/19/2010

Devices that are powered by Windows Mobile 6.5 support a broad range of networking options that your application can use for multiplayer gaming. These options include infrared communications Bluetooth for personal area networks (PANs), as well as local area and wide area networks (LANs and WANs). The State and Notifications Broker allows your application to monitor changes in status with any of these network types.

Infrared Communications

Many Windows Mobile devices have an infrared port that is compliant with the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) standard, which specifies a stack over which two devices can communicate. To use infrared communications, the two devices must be within line of sight, and oriented correctly so that a beam of infrared light can pass between them. This communications method works only within table-top range. However, because most devices have an IrDa port, infrared can support multi-player gaming.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology with a 10-meter range. Most Windows Mobile 6.5 devices support Bluetooth, and this protocol is an ideal choice when all players are located in the same room.

LANs and WANs

Many Windows Mobile devices support TCP/IP-based LANs and WANs, either over Wi-Fi or over cellular data services. Wi-Fi allows local networking between devices, and can also allow the device to connect to the Internet for world-wide multiplayer gaming. Cellular data services typically are limited to Internet connections, with no option for local networking.

See Also

Concepts

Windows Mobile Support for Game Development

Other Resources

State and Notifications Broker
Infrared Communications
Bluetooth
TCP/IP