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