USB Dongle
The Many Uses of a USB Dongle
The ubiquitous Universal Serial Bus or USB dongle is the phrase used to refer to a small hardware device that can be connected to the USB port of a bigger hardware, usually a desktop PC or laptop, to enable some peripheral functions the PC can be configured to perform. It is similar in appearance to a USB flash drive. It is both a software and hardware solution as you may need to install related software into the PC to recognize the USB dongle and make it work.
The term “dongle” is more often used these days to refer to any small device that dangles on the PC. People used the word “key” or “token” before to refer to such devices. They generally have the following functions:
Bluetooth Connection
A USB dongle can be a Bluetooth device that is plugged into the USB port of a desktop or laptop PC to enable it to receive and send data with another device with Bluetooth capability. The transmission is done wirelessly over a distance typically within a radius of a few meters. With handheld devices like PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) and mobile phone handsets with Bluetooth capability, you can synchronize the data on your PC with these mobile devices through a Bluetooth USB dongle, apart from sharing files between them.
Internet Access
A USB dongle is also used to tap into a wireless internet access which is usually a wireless local area network (LAN) that with internet access and allows this access to be wirelessly used. Often referred as “Hotspots,” you can access the internet with the proper communications USB dongle connected to your PC.
Data Encryption or Protection
The USB dongle had its first application as a software or data protection device that allows users to access certain application or file if the PC detects the presence of a USB dongle which can do some decryption as well.
O2 Launches Free Trial Promo for Dongle Exchange
O2, one of UK's leading telecommunications providers announced its latest promotional scheme. The Telefonica-owned network provider announced that anyone can trade-in their existing mobile broadband dongles for a new O2 USB broadband dongle. The users of any of O2's competitors' services will now be given a chance to use O2's latest USB dongle innovations.
This latest campaign will only run until the end of July and available in only 20 selected stores within Manchester area only. The only stipulation for this program is that any user of non-O2 USB dongles will have to trade-in their units for O2's own dongle. New users will then have to get their Pay-As-You-Go O2 E1 60 USB dongle for free. Since this is a limited offer, anyone interested will have to get their new dongles before the end of the month to be eligible for the program.
Mr. Jonathan Earle, O2's head of Pay Monthly further stated “We know that our company provides the best mobile and broadband service in the region. However, it is not enough saying this fact. We want all users and potential users to try out our services to prove that we can exceed their expectations. The best thing about this is that there is no long-term commitment required from anyone interested.”
Another telecommunications expert added: “This will benefit users of other competing service providers who are not happy with their existing packaged bundles. However, those who have contracts with other service providers may not join the Amnesty campaign as those who have Pay-As-You-Go benefits the most.
Those who are lucky enough to join the campaign should be able to have unlimited access if they are in the BT Openzone Wi-Fi areas in the country.
