Hardware The GamePad has a "WLAN module"?

[DebugErr]

Got my repaired GamePad back. Actually it just had a broken screen, but they also renewed a "WLAN module"

Don't they mean the bluetooth connection module to the console? I thought it has no own WLAN module, wouldn't make much sense would it?

 

[PewnyPL]

Got my repaired GamePad back. Actually it just had a broken screen, but they also renewed a "WLAN module"

Don't they mean the bluetooth connection module to the console? I thought it has no own WLAN module, wouldn't make much sense would it?

The gamepad actually connects via WLAN to the console. Bluetooth is WAY too slow for video transfer (off-screen play)

 

[DebugErr]

I see, I always wondered how that screen transfer works.
I have no idea why they renewed it at all, it was fully functional

 

[shinkodachi]

I see, I always wondered how that screen transfer works.
I have no idea why they renewed it at all, it was fully functional

Could be partially tied to the screen, since the WLAN module is unique to every GamePad. It's also the reason (since it's operating at 5GHz frequency) why the GamePad is region locked.

 

[DebugErr]

Ew, that's where that comes from. Okei then... good to know

 

[RomansFiveEight]

It's actually a proprietary WLAN variation based on Wireless N. Pretty neat!

 

[Don21]

Never knew that, very nice to know

 

[DebugErr]

Someone should reverse and document how it works exactly

 

[The Real Jdbye]

Could be partially tied to the screen, since the WLAN module is unique to every GamePad. It's also the reason (since it's operating at 5GHz frequency) why the GamePad is region locked.

That makes no sense. My laptop has 5Ghz too, and it's not region locked.

 

[shinkodachi]

That makes no sense. My laptop has 5Ghz too, and it's not region locked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels#5.C2.A0GHz_.28802.11a.2Fh.2Fj.2Fn.2Fac.29.5B17.5D

I humbly request you read that article on Wikipedia, it's well written. Here's a quote:

Countries apply their own regulations to both the allowable channels, allowed users and maximum power levels within these frequency ranges. Network operators should consult their local authorities as these regulations may be out of date as they are subject to change at any time.

So even your laptop is, effectively, "region locked". When you move to another region it's entirely possible that your laptop may not work at all, or will work in limited capacity, when connected to a local 5GHz network. And it's due to these different regulations between countries and regions why Nintendo cannot ship the same Wii U GamePad model in every region.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_WLAN_channels#5.C2.A0GHz_.28802.11a.2Fh.2Fj.2Fn.2Fac.29.5B17.5D

I humbly request you read that article on Wikipedia, it's well written. Here's a quote:

So even your laptop is, effectively, "region locked". When you move to another region it's entirely possible that your laptop may not work at all, or will work in limited capacity, when connected to a local 5GHz network. And it's due to these different regulations between countries and regions why Nintendo cannot ship the same Wii U GamePad model in every region.

Well, according to that, there are a bunch of channels that work in every region except Japan, so they could technically ship the same gamepad in every region except Japan.

 

[shinkodachi]

Well, according to that, there are a bunch of channels that work in every region except Japan, so they could technically ship the same gamepad in every region except Japan.

If you really think it's as simple as that then you have answered your own question. (It's not.)

There's regional differences in every product due to wireless frequencies. E.g. iPhones sold in Europe are different to iPhones sold in the US or Hong Kong. If you buy an iPhone 6 in the US, it technically supports European LTE, but when you come to Europe, it doesn't work in all of the frequency ranges. That's a fact that affects all electronics.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

If you really think it's as simple as that then you have answered your own question. (It's not.)

There's regional differences in every product due to wireless frequencies. E.g. iPhones sold in Europe are different to iPhones sold in the US or Hong Kong. If you buy an iPhone 6 in the US, it technically supports European LTE, but when you come to Europe, it doesn't work in all of the frequency ranges. That's a fact that affects all electronics.

Look at the list you linked me

 

[shinkodachi]

Look at the list you linked me

And you must understand as I said that it's not just the frequency that matters, but how it's used.

E.g. 1700Mhz in the US does not equal 1700Mhz in Europe. A device that uses one in its own region won't work in the other region, because the frequency is used differently. Certain frequencies are allowed for indoor or outdoor use only, certain frequencies are limited to specific uses, certain frequencies are for radio equipment only, certain frequencies are available to consumers, etc. Just because there are frequencies that overlap doesn't mean Nintendo or anyone else can magically make a single device model that works almost everywhere in the world. There are a minimum number of channels that a 5GHz operating device requires to function.

That's how it is.