Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). It was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.
Name and logo
The word Bluetooth is an anglicised version of Danish Blåtand , the epithet of the tenth-century king Harald I of Denmark and parts of Norway who united dissonant Danish tribes into a single kingdom. The implication is that Bluetooth does the same with communications protocols, uniting them into one universal standard. Although blå in modern Scandinavic languages means blue, during the Viking age it also could mean black. So a historically correct translation of Old Norse Harald Blátönn could rather be Harald Blacktooth than Harald Bluetooth .
The Bluetooth logo is a bind rune merging the Germanic runes
(Hagall) and
(Berkanan).
Implementation
Bluetooth uses a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which chops up the data being sent and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 bands of 1 MHz width in the range 2402-2480 MHz. This is in the globally unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) 2.4 GHz short-range radio frequency band.
In its basic rate (BR) mode, the modulation is Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK). It can achieve a gross data rate of 1 Mbit/s. In extended data rate (EDR) π/4-DQPSK and 8DPSK are used, giving 2, and 3 Mbit/s respectively.
Bluetooth is a packet-based protocol with a master-slave structure. One master may communicate with up to 7 slaves in a piconet; all devices share the master's clock. Packet exchange is based on the basic clock, defined by the master, which ticks at 312.5 µs intervals. Two clock ticks make up a slot of 625 µs; two slots make up a slot pair of 1250 µs. In the simple case of single-slot packets the master transmits in even slots and receives in odd slots; the slave, conversely, receives in even slots and trasnmits in odd slots. Packets may be 1, 3 or 5 slots long but in all cases the master transmit will begin in even slots and the slave transmit in odd slots.
Bluetooth provides a secure way to connect and exchange information between devices such as faxes, mobile phones, telephones, laptops, personal computers, printers, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, digital cameras, and video game consoles.
The Bluetooth specifications are developed and licensed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The Bluetooth SIG consists of companies in the areas of telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics.
To be marketed as a bluetooth device, it must be qualified to standards defined by the SIG.
Uses
Bluetooth is a standard communications protocol primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range (power-class-dependent: 100m, 10m and 1m, but ranges vary in practice; see table below) based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each device. Because the devices use a radio (broadcast) communications system, they do not have to be in line of sight of each other.
In most cases the effective range of class 2 devices is extended if they connect to a class 1 transceiver, compared to a pure class 2 network. This is accomplished by the higher sensitivity and transmission power of Class 1 devices.
Bluetooth profiles
Main article: Bluetooth profileIn order to use Bluetooth, a device must be compatible with certain Bluetooth profiles. These define the possible applications and uses of the technology.
List of applications
- Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a hands-free headset. This was one of the earliest applications to become popular.
- Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little bandwidth is required.
- Wireless communication with PC input and output devices, the most common being the mouse, keyboard and printer.
- Transfer of files, contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between devices with OBEX.
- Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test equipment, GPS receivers, medical equipment, bar code scanners, and traffic control devices.
- For controls where infrared was traditionally used.
- For low bandwidth applications where higher USB bandwidth is not required and cable-free connection desired.
- Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth-enabled advertising hoardings to other, discoverable, Bluetooth devices.
- Wireless bridge between two Industrial Ethernet (e.g., PROFINET) networks.
- Three seventh-generation game consoles, Nintendo's Wii and Sony's PlayStation 3 and PSP Go, use Bluetooth for their respective wireless controllers.
- Dial-up internet access on personal computers or PDAs using a data-capable mobile phone as a wireless modem like Novatel mifi.
- Short range transmission of health sensor data from medical devices to mobile phone, set-top box or dedicated telehealth devices.
Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 in networking
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have many applications: setting up networks, printing, or transferring files.
Wi-Fi is intended for resident equipment and its applications. The category of applications is outlined as WLAN, the wireless local area networks. Wi-Fi is intended as a replacement for cabling for general local area network access in work areas.
Bluetooth is intended for non resident equipment and its applications. The category of applications is outlined as the wireless personal area network (WPAN). Bluetooth is a replacement for cabling in a variety of personally carried applications in any ambience.
Wi-Fi is a traditional Ethernet network, and requires configuration to set up shared resources, transmit files, and to set up audio links (for example, headsets and hands-free devices). Wi-Fi uses the same radio frequencies as Bluetooth, but with higher power, resulting in a stronger connection. Wi-Fi is sometimes called "wireless Ethernet." This description is accurate, as it also provides an indication of its relative strengths and weaknesses. Wi-Fi requires more setup but is better suited for operating full-scale networks; it enables a faster connection and better range from the base station.
The nearest equivalent in Bluetooth is the DUN profile, which allows devices to act as modem interfaces.
Bluetooth devices
Bluetooth exists in many products, such as telephones, the Wii, PlayStation 3, PSP Go, Lego Mindstorms NXT and in some high definition watches, modems and headsets. The technology is useful when transferring information between two or more devices that are near each other in low-bandwidth situations. Bluetooth is commonly used to transfer sound data with telephones (i.e., with a Bluetooth headset) or byte data with hand-held computers (transferring files).
Bluetooth protocols simplify the discovery and setup of services between devices. Bluetooth devices can advertise all of the services they provide. This makes using services easier because more of the security, network address and permission configuration can be automated than with many other network types.
Computer requirements
A personal computer must have a Bluetooth adapter in order to communicate with other Bluetooth devices (such as mobile phones, mice and keyboards). While some desktop computers and most recent laptops come with a built-in Bluetooth adapter, others will require an external one in the form of a dongle.
Unlike its predecessor, IrDA, which requires a separate adapter for each device, Bluetooth allows multiple devices to communicate with a computer over a single adapter.
Operating system support
For more details on this topic, see Bluetooth stack.Apple has supported Bluetooth since Mac OS X v10.2 which was released in 2002.
For Microsoft platforms, Windows XP Service Pack 2 and later releases have native support for Bluetooth. Previous versions required users to install their Bluetooth adapter's own drivers, which were not directly supported by Microsoft. Microsoft's own Bluetooth dongles (packaged with their Bluetooth computer devices) have no external drivers and thus require at least Windows XP Service Pack 2.
GNU/Linux has two popular Bluetooth stacks, BlueZ and Affix. The BlueZ stack
Bluetooth Headset
Headset Specialists offering headsets (including wireless headsets, PC Headsets and Cellular Headsets) from Plantronics, GN Netcom and Headsets.com
Bluetooth headsets from Communications Solutions UK ...
Bluetooth headsets Based in Reading Berkshire Communications Solutions have headset solutions for mobile, desk or landline phones from Jabra and Plantronics
Bluetooth Headset Store
TheBluetoothheadsetStore has the best prices on the latest Quality, Bluetooth Headsets, Motorcycle Bluetooth Headsets, Bluetooth Stereo Headsets, Handsfree Car Kits, GPS, Mp3/iPod ...
Introducing Jawbone ICON™ The World’s First ...
Jawbone is CNET's #1 Rated Bluetooth headset and features NoiseAssassin technology. Free shipping on all orders
Bluetooth Headsets - CNET Reviews
Come to CNET Reviews for bluetooth headset reviews, CNET editors' ratings, user reviews, and prices on bluetooth headsets. Find the bluetooth headset that's right for you.
Discount Bluetooth Headsets, Cell Phone Hands free ...
Your search for quality Bluetooth headsets for brands like Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola etc. ends at Wireless Emporium; we offer Bluetooth cell phone headsets & hands-free at ...
Bluetooth Headsets | Bluetooth Headphones | Bluetooth ...
Great selection and prices on Bluetooth Headsets, Headphones, and Car Kits. We carry brands like Jawbone, Plantronics, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Parrot and more!
Bluetooth Headsets Reviews- Wireless, Stereo and Cell ...
Bluetooth-headsets.org has all the latest information, leading companies, prices and reviews of popular Bluetooth Headsets.
Bluetooth Headset - Handsfree Wireless Technology
Being wireless, a Bluetooth headset runs on batteries. And if you're now deciding to purchase one, you should also take battery life into your top priority.
bluetooth cell phone car kit and Bluetooth USB Dongle ...
Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth car kit, Blue tooth Dongle and other cell phone Blue tooth accessories available at cellphoneshop