Connectivity & Interfaces
Documentation
Documents and code examples that help in connectivity application development.
Tools and SDKs
Overview of development tools that can be used to create connectivity applications.
Support/FAQs
Links to Professional support, Discussion boards, and FAQs for connectivity technologies.
Connectivity Capabilities
Wired Interfaces
Wired Interfaces
Are you developing a mobile device accessory like a speakerphone or a USB On-The-Go peripheral? Or do you want to use the device's TV-out capabilities? Learn more about wired interfaces on Nokia mobile devices.
Nokia PC Suite Connectivity API
The Nokia PCSAPI is an integrated part of the Nokia PC Suite and it takes advantage of the suite's existing capabilities. It has been designed to free the application developer from the complexity of the connectivity and transmission protocols and phone system architecture.
Introduction to Connectivity and Interfaces
Local connectivity solutions have become more and more attractive now that mobile devices support a number of popular wireless short-range technologies and wired interfaces. Wireless technologies typically provide a low-cost solution with good bandwidth that can also be connected to the cellular network. In addition, there are a number of wired interfaces that can be used by applications and accessories.
Bluetooth technology is one of the fastest-adopted technologies in history, used in hundreds of millions of mobile phones, PCs, laptops, digital cameras, headsets, and many other electronic devices for wireless data and audio communication. It is based on a low-cost, short-range, radio-based link that does not require any line-of-sight connection in order to communicate. Unique security keys and robust encryption assure reliability and confidentiality. Bluetooth devices operate in a globally available unlicensed ISM band at 2.4 GHz, making Bluetooth usable worldwide. Nokia is a founding member of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which has a large number of adopters worldwide. While being compatible with earlier releases, the latest developments of Bluetooth have further improved the data throughput (up to 2Mbit/s), security, and robustness.
For application developers, Bluetooth wireless technology provides almost unlimited possibilities for new kinds of applications and solutions. Besides using Bluetooth as a protocol for file transfer, developers can, for example, create exciting multiplayer games, industrial and remote-control applications, and wireless enhancements, such as global positioning system (GPS) receivers and bar-code readers. Depending on the mobile phone, Bluetooth applications can be developed in Symbian C++ or in the Java™ programming language.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), also known as Wi-Fi, is a high-speed wireless technology for accessing the Internet or corporate intranet. A remote worker can use WLAN technology to access the Internet through public access points ("hot spots") provided by service providers. When in the office, workers may access WLAN through wireless access points installed on the corporate intranet. In enterprise environments, WLAN is usually complemented by security mechanisms, such as Virtual Private Network (VPN). WLAN can also be used as a bearer for new, appealing solutions, such as voice over IP (VoIP) telephony.
PC connectivity enables synchronizing of a user's personal information data, such as contacts and calendar entries; installing applications; performing backup and restore; and transferring data (images, video, music, etc.) between the user's mobile device and a PC using short-range protocols such as Bluetooth, infrared, serial port, and USB. The PC Suite API is available for application developers and ISVs. The API is an integrated part of the Nokia PC Suite and it takes advantage of the suite's existing capabilities. It has been designed to free developers from the complexity of the connectivity and transmission protocols and mobile phone system architecture, thus enabling faster PC connectivity application development.
Near Field Communication (NFC) is an evolution of contactless and short-range RFID technologies. NFC enables easy and intuitive ways of using mobile phones with touch-based technology — operating at a distance of only a few centimeters. For consumers, NFC offers the convenience of using multiple services without having to carry a multitude of cards in their wallet. For instance, a travel card stored in an NFC device like the Nokia 6131 NFC may be reloaded and paid for without the hassle of a journey and possible wait at the next ticket counter. In most cases, payments and ticketing will be the first encounters for consumers with NFC, but there are many different scenarios for its usage. Read more about Near Field Communication »
Wired Interfaces include a collection of connectors available for applications and accessories. They include USB, Pop-Port, AV connectors, and charging interface. The typical use case is to connect the accessory device to the phone but also native or Java applications can transfer data through wired interface. Read more about wired interfaces »
