When barcode scanners are used they are linked to a database on a computer. While many scanners are linked to the computer by cable this does lead to restrictions. The user is limited in movement by the length of the cable. However, technology has been developed which removes this restriction.
Wireless and Bluetooth technology means that the barcode scanner does not have to be connected directly to the computer.
A wireless barcode scanner sends data the computer via a signal. This is similar to the Wi-Fi technology which many people use on their laptops and PCs. The scanner will also have a docking base where it can be charged.
Bluetooth is a more modern development of the wireless scanner.
There are scanners which can be linked with different computers via the USB port. This means that they can be used in various places, but still must be linked directly to a computer to operate.