| Bluetooth technology is a low-power, low-cost | | | | with. The device name to use when you are |
| wireless technology for short-range radio | | | | setting up your Bluetooth device is typically |
| communication between various fixed and/or | | | | cleared stated in the accompanying device |
| portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, | | | | documentation. |
| laptops, PDAs, cars, stereo headsets, MP3s, digital | | | | Bluetooth technology offers built-in security with |
| cameras, PCs and computer peripherals. Bluetooth | | | | 128-bit encryption and PIN code authentication. |
| also refers to the standard communication | | | | When Bluetooth products identify themselves, |
| protocol (IEEE 802.15.1) specifically designed for | | | | they use the PIN code the first time they |
| this kind of short-range wireless communication. | | | | connect, thereafter staying securely connected. |
| The core of Bluetooth technology lies in a | | | | Practical Applications of Bluetooth Networking |
| low-cost 9 mm x 9 mm microchip that functions | | | | Some of the popular applications of Bluetooth |
| as a short-range radio link when inserted into an | | | | technology are in wireless networking between a |
| electronic device, making the device | | | | mobile phone and a laptop/desktop, between a |
| Bluetooth-enabled. Wireless communication | | | | mobile phone and a hands-free headset, between |
| between various bluetooth-enabled devices takes | | | | PCs in a restricted space and between the input |
| place via these radio links, instead of via cables as | | | | and output devices of a PC (e.g., mouse, |
| used in normal networking. Since Bluetooth | | | | keyboard, printer). Bluetooth technology can also |
| technology uses radio signals, which are | | | | be used to transfer files, images and MP3 files |
| omni-directional and can be transmitted through | | | | between mobile phones or between MP3 players |
| walls and other obstacles, Bluetooth-enabled | | | | digital cameras and computers. |
| devices don't need to be in line of sight or be | | | | Limitations of Bluetooth Technology |
| pointing at each other. | | | | Short communication range (up to 100 m) is the |
| Bluetooth radio modules operate in the open, | | | | greatest limitation of Bluetooth technology. Also, |
| unlicensed ISM (industrial-scientific-medical) | | | | the data transfer rates are much lower compared |
| spread-spectrum 2.4 GHz frequency band, divided | | | | to other wireless communication technologies. |
| into 79 channels separated by 1 MHz each. To | | | | Susceptibility to interference from other devices |
| avoid interference from other signals, the | | | | operating in the 2.4 MHz band, notwithstanding |
| Bluetooth signal hops to a new channel every | | | | adaptive frequency hopping, is another limitation. |
| time it transmits or receives a data packet, | | | | The Bluetooth technology is still not fully |
| making Bluetooth connection robust and secure. | | | | developed, so there is plenty of room for |
| The communication range of Bluetooth technology | | | | improvement. |
| varies from 1 m to 100 m, depending upon the | | | | Bluetooth-Enabled Devices |
| maximum power permitted (1 mW to 100 mW). | | | | The Bluetooth wireless technology specification is |
| Because of this channel hopping, there should not | | | | available free-of-charge to Bluetooth member |
| be a consistent problem with other devices using | | | | companies around the world. Many companies are |
| the 2.4 Ghz frequency band, such as old cordless | | | | interested in making their devices |
| phones. | | | | Bluetooth-enabled in order to avoid the clutter of |
| Each Bluetooth-enabled device can simultaneously | | | | wires with seamless connections and offer |
| communicate with up to seven other devices | | | | simultaneous transmission of data and voice as in |
| within a single personal area network, called a | | | | hands-free talking. |
| piconet. Each device can simultaneously belong to | | | | Bluetooth technology is commercially available in a |
| several piconets. Each device negotiates with each | | | | wide range of applications such as mobile phones, |
| other via a defined device name so that each | | | | automobiles, medical devices, play stations and |
| device can keep track of who it is communicating | | | | many more. |