What wireless technology standard operates on specific low-frequency radio bands reserved for ISM?

The correct answer is Bluetooth. Bluetooth operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio band. This frequency range is designated for unlicensed use, allowing various devices to communicate wirelessly without requiring a specific license.

The ISM bands are utilized by a variety of technologies due to their availability and suitability for short-range communication, making Bluetooth a common choice for personal area networks (PANs) and connecting devices such as smartphones, headphones, and wearable technology. Its design for robust, short-range communication while maintaining energy efficiency makes it well-suited for applications where low power consumption is critical.

Wi-Fi, while also utilizing the 2.4 GHz band, operates at higher frequencies and is designed for local area networks (LANs), focusing on providing higher bandwidth and longer-range connectivity, which differentiates it from Bluetooth's primary function. Zigbee, another technology in the ISM band, is designed for low-power, low-data rate applications, primarily in automation and control, but it specifically targets different applications than Bluetooth. Near Field Communication (NFC) operates in a different manner, typically functioning at a much shorter range and often in conjunction with RFID technology.

Understanding the specific use cases and operational frequencies