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Bluetooth Basics

Bluetooth technology is nothing new, but in many respects it still seems to be more of a buzz word rather than a well understood, commonly accepted technology. You see advertisements for Bluetooth enabled cell phones, Pdas, and laptops, and a quest of the Geeks.com website shows all sorts of distinct devices taking advantage of this wireless standard. But, what is it?

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History

Before getting into the technology, the word Bluetooth is engaging all on its own, and deserves a look. The term is far less high tech than you might imagine, and finds its roots in European history. The King of Denmark from 940 to 981 was celebrated for his potential to help population communicate, his name (in English)... Harald Bluetooth. maybe a bit obscure, but the reference is accepted for a wireless communications standard.

Another item worth investigating is the Bluetooth logo. Based on characters from the runic alphabet (used in antique Denmark), it was chosen as it appears to be the compound of the English letter B and an asterisk.

Capabilities

The Faq on the Bluetooth.org (https://www.bluetooth.org/) website offers a basic definition: "Bluetooth wireless technology is a worldwide specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio clarification that provides links between mobile computers, mobile phones, other movable handheld devices, and connectivity to the Internet."

Just like 802.11 b/g wireless networking systems and many cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices operate on 2.4 Ghz radio signals. That band seems to be getting a bit crowded, and interference between devices may be difficult to avoid. Telephones are now being offered on the 5.8 Ghz band to help remedy this, and Bluetooth has taken its own steps to cut interference and improve transmission quality. Version 1.1 of the Bluetooth accepted greatly reduces interference issues, but requires completely distinct hardware from the primary 1.0C standard, thus eliminating any opportunity of backwards compatibility.

The typical specifications of Bluetooth indicate a maximum transfer rate of 723 kbps and a range of 20-100 meters (65 to 328 feet - depending on the class of the device). This speed is a fraction of that offered by 802.11 b or g wireless standards, so it is clear that Bluetooth doesn't pose a threat to replace your wireless network. Although it is very similar to 802.11 in many ways, Bluetooth was never intended to be a networking standard, but does have many practical applications.

Practical Applications

There are a collection of products that take advantage of Bluetooth's capabilities, from laptops and Pdas, to headphones and input devices, and even wireless printer adapters.

Many Laptops contain an onboard Bluetooth adaptor to allow the law to associate to any Bluetooth gadget right out of the box. For laptop or desktop systems that do not have an adaptor built in, there are many Usb Bluetooth adaptors available.

Bluetooth enabled Pdas allow for convenient wireless synchronization and data transfer.

Headphones can take advantage of Bluetooth for two purposes... Audio playback and mobile phone communications. Using something a mobile headset with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone allows whatever to go hands free, as well as wire free.

Logitech, and other manufacturers, also yield input devices that eliminate wires thanks to Bluetooth. You can add a Bluetooth mouse to your system, or both a mouse and keyboard. One advantage that Bluetooth wireless keyboard/mouse combinations have over the accepted Rf wireless keyboard/mouse combinations is range. Where most accepted Rf keyboard/mouse combinations have a range up to 6 feet; a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse compound will usually have a range of up to 30 feet.

Bluetooth printer adaptors make sharing a printer extremely convenient by eliminating the need for any wires or extra configurations on a typical network. Printing to any compatible Hp printer from a Pc, Pda or mobile phone can now be done indeed from in any place in the office.

Final Words

At this point the popularity of Bluetooth might not be as large as some proponents would have hoped, but many devices are available for those interested. The cost and competition from other standards have hindered the allembracing acceptance, but Bluetooth does offer a viable clarification to many devices that might not have wireless connectivity without it.

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