Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are similar in the fact that they are both
wireless networks. They can both exist side by side in the same local
area network (LAN). However, there are number of differences that keep
them separate.
Range of Reception - Bluetooth technology is a low-power technology. Its signal is normally carried no further than about 30 feet in the most ideal situations (15-20 feet is a practical number when establishing usefulness). Wi-Fi (802.11 technology standards) can cover your entire home or office and depending upon the specific device and antenna employed sometime much further. This short range is due to the small amount of power used in the transmission and reception of Bluetooth signals. Most Bluetooth devices are battery powered so power demand and conservation is usually number two on the list of priorities when in design with functionality and usefulness at the top of the list.
Speed - Wi-Fi data rates are now reaching into the hundreds of megabits per second. The fastest Bluetooth data rate applications max out around three megabits per second. The best way to separate these is to think of Bluetooth as a low speed connection for applications using voice and audio or other applications where speed is not needed or important. Such applications could include the transfer of data (like from a camera to a pc or to a printer) or synchronization of two devices (such as address book updates between a pc database and mobile phone's contact list). Wi-Fi is designed for moving large amounts of data in a short amount of time.
Use - Think of Bluetooth as the technology that eliminated those bulky and inconvenient cords and wires. Not only does this technology get rid of these wires and cables for convenience but also for safety. Wireless headsets were to first application but now wireless Bluetooth technology is used for audio speakers, hands-free systems in cars and on-board microphones.
Another aspect of Bluetooth is that it has all but eliminated infrared device. Infrared Data Association (IrDA) wireless technology is found on most laptops designed and built in the last several years. It was, in its day, similar to Bluetooth in that it allowed devices to communicate wirelessly. However, this technology had its drawbacks. Even though IrDA technology was secure and was not affected by interference, these devices had to be aligned in a line-of-sight proximity. Just as your infrared television remote control has to 'see' and be pointed directly at your set to operate, the IrDA devices had to be pointed at one another to communicate. This had its drawbacks especially in mobile situation where it was just not logical or possible to get the devices 'face-to-face' such as in a car or in a confined work environment.
So instead of thinking of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as an 'either/or' proposition, think about these technologies as complimentary and working side by side in your ever changing and growing wireless network.
Range of Reception - Bluetooth technology is a low-power technology. Its signal is normally carried no further than about 30 feet in the most ideal situations (15-20 feet is a practical number when establishing usefulness). Wi-Fi (802.11 technology standards) can cover your entire home or office and depending upon the specific device and antenna employed sometime much further. This short range is due to the small amount of power used in the transmission and reception of Bluetooth signals. Most Bluetooth devices are battery powered so power demand and conservation is usually number two on the list of priorities when in design with functionality and usefulness at the top of the list.
Speed - Wi-Fi data rates are now reaching into the hundreds of megabits per second. The fastest Bluetooth data rate applications max out around three megabits per second. The best way to separate these is to think of Bluetooth as a low speed connection for applications using voice and audio or other applications where speed is not needed or important. Such applications could include the transfer of data (like from a camera to a pc or to a printer) or synchronization of two devices (such as address book updates between a pc database and mobile phone's contact list). Wi-Fi is designed for moving large amounts of data in a short amount of time.
Use - Think of Bluetooth as the technology that eliminated those bulky and inconvenient cords and wires. Not only does this technology get rid of these wires and cables for convenience but also for safety. Wireless headsets were to first application but now wireless Bluetooth technology is used for audio speakers, hands-free systems in cars and on-board microphones.
Another aspect of Bluetooth is that it has all but eliminated infrared device. Infrared Data Association (IrDA) wireless technology is found on most laptops designed and built in the last several years. It was, in its day, similar to Bluetooth in that it allowed devices to communicate wirelessly. However, this technology had its drawbacks. Even though IrDA technology was secure and was not affected by interference, these devices had to be aligned in a line-of-sight proximity. Just as your infrared television remote control has to 'see' and be pointed directly at your set to operate, the IrDA devices had to be pointed at one another to communicate. This had its drawbacks especially in mobile situation where it was just not logical or possible to get the devices 'face-to-face' such as in a car or in a confined work environment.
So instead of thinking of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as an 'either/or' proposition, think about these technologies as complimentary and working side by side in your ever changing and growing wireless network.
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