The technology of Bluetooth wireless is a short range communications method intended to replace the cables that connect portable or fixed devices while maintaining the highest levels of security.

The key features offered by Bluetooth include low power and low cost. The specification in Bluetooth defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to communicate and connect with one another.

The technology behind Bluetooth has achieved global satisfaction such as enabled devices, almost everywhere in the world. Bluetooth devices will connect and communicate without wires through short range and networks known as piconets.

Each device will simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single Private Area Network, meaning that each device can also belong to several PANs simultaneously. The PANs are dynamically established as Bluetooth enabled devices enter and leave the proximity of radio.

A fundamental to Bluetooth strength is the ability to handle both data and voice transmissions simultaneously. This will enable users to enjoy varieties of innovative solutions such as hands free talking, printing and fax capabilities, and other applications.

Specifications
Unlike other standards of wireless, the Bluetooth specification gives product developers both a link layer and application layer definitions, which will help support data and voice applications.

Spectrum
The Bluetooth technology operates in the industrial and scientific band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, using a spread spectrum, frequency hopping signal.

Interference
The adaptive frequency hopping of Bluetooth technology was designed to reduce interference between wireless technologies that share the 2.4 GHz spectrum. Adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) works well within the spectrum to take full advantage of the frequency available.

AFH hopping allows for more efficient transmission within the spectrum, which provides users with greater performance even if they are using other technologies along with Bluetooth.

Bluetooth resources
Getting Started with Bluetooth Networking

Bluetooth 1.1: Connect Without Cables (2nd Edition)

With Bluetooth being very popular with wireless, it’s no wonder there are many applications available for the technology. Below, you’ll find the applications for Bluetooth.

1. Wireless networking between laptops and desktop computers, or desktops that are in a confined space and little bandwidth is needed.

2. Peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and printers.

3. Cell phones with Bluetooth technology have been sold in large numbers, as they are able to connect to computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistant), and various other devices. The standard also includes the support for more powerful and longer range devices.

4. The transfer of files, images and MP3, between mobile phones.

5. Certain MP3 players and digital cameras to transfer files to and from computers.

6. Bluetooth technology headsets for smart phones and cell phones.

7. Data logging equipment that transmits data to a computer via Bluetooth technology.

8. Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Revolution will both use Bluetooth technology for their wireless controllers.

For Bluetooth, there are literally hundreds of different applications and devices available for you to use or purchase. As you may already know, Bluetooth is the most popular wireless technology in the world. It’s very reliable, very dependable, and very hard to crack into.

There are many other applications for Bluetooth in development now, many of which plan to take the wireless age to the next level. Video game systems are using Bluetooth technology as well, for their wireless controllers. This is great news for gaming fans, as Bluetooth offers the best in wireless data transmission.

If your curious about applications for Bluetooth that are still in development, you can search on the internet. You can find all sorts of information, especially when it comes to Bluetooth. As the future arrives, you can expect Bluetooth to bring bigger and better things.

The new Apple powerbook G4 are among the first computers to offer Bluetooth technology 2.0+EDR. The 2.0+EDR technology, which still backwards compatible with 1.0, is up to three times faster than previous versions, offering maximum data rate transfers of up to 3 MBps.  Being the first company to certify a system with 2.0+EDR, Apple continues to make great use of the Bluetooth technology.

Full support
In addition to the powerbook G4 portables, there are other Bluetooth enabled computers available from Apple, including the iBook, iMac G5, eMac, and the Power Mac G5.

Making life easier
When you turn the Bluetooth feature on, your Mac can easily perform a file transfer or even a synchronization.  From the Bluetooth selection menu, you can choose to either send a file or browse devices, quickly and easily.  Or, you can click the sync button in iSync to update your cell phone or Palm OS handheld.

The Mac and GSM/GPRS mobile phone with Bluetooth work to make each other more useful.  By using iSync, you can keep your phone updated without having to type any info, as you can keep the information in the more manageable address book on your Mac instead.

You can also use your Bluetooth enabled Mac to print documents and digital images to select a printer that also supports the technology of Bluetooth.  Or, you can also use a headset to talk to your friends during an iChat session.

Your Mac also has the ability to use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your Palm OS handheld.  This way, you can perform a HotSync operation without using any cables.  You can also send your business card or calendar events directly to someone else’s handheld using the technology of Bluetooth.

The implementation of Bluetooth by Apple is the latest in a series of moves that have caused great shift in the computer industry.  Apple established USB as the standard interface with the launching of the first Mac back in 1998.

Since then, Apple established the 802.11 wireless standard of networking with the launch of the iBook and AirPort in 1999.  During 2003, Apple launched AirPort Extreme, which was based on the new 802.11g high speed technology of wireless.

Now, Bluetooth helps to further strengthen the dominant position of the Mac in wireless communications, helping to preserve Apple’s reputation for being the first to market with innovative technology that integrates right into the operating system.

Bluetooth is a high speed, low powered wireless link technology that’s designed to connect phones or other portable equipment together with little to no work required by the user. Unlike infrared, Bluetooth doesn’t require line of site positioning to work.

Current prototype circuits are contained on a board that is 0.9 cm square, with a much smaller circuit board being developed.

When one Bluetooth device comes in contact with another, they will automatically exchange addresses and details of capability. Then, they can establish a 1 MB link with security that they will use as required. The protocols involved with handle both data and voice, with a very flexible topography.

The technology achieves its goal by embedding tiny, non expensive short range transceivers into the devices available today. The radio operates on the 2.45 GHz frequency band, and supports up to 721KBps, along with three voice channels.

Each devices offers a unique 48 bit address from the IEEE 802 standard, with the connections being point to point or multipoint. The max range is 10 meters, although it can be extended to 100 meters by increasing the power. The devices are also protected from radio interference by changing their frequencies, also known as frequency hopping.

What’s important, is the fact that Bluetooth devices won’t drain battery life. The specification targets power consumption of the device, limiting the drain on the battery. The radio chip will consume only 0.3mA in stand by mode, which is less than 5% of the power that standard phones use.

Bluetooth will also guarantee security at the bit level. The authentication is controlled by the user via a 128 bit key. The radio signals can be coded with anything up to 128 bit. With the frequency hopping, Bluetooth is already very hard to listen into.

The baseband protocol is a combination of both circuit and packet switches. Slots can be reserved for synchronous packets as well. Each packet will be transmitted in a different hop frequency. Normally, a packet covers a single slot although it can be extended to cover up to five slots.

Bluetooth can also support data channels of up to three simultaneous voice channels. Therefore, it’s possible to transfer the data while you talk at the same time. Each individual voice channel will support 64 KB.

From a technical standpoint, Bluetooth is very different indeed. It’s the best wireless method in the world, surpassing even infrared. For communication on the go, Bluetooth is indeed very hard to compete with.

Bluetooth has a lot to offer with an increasingly difficult market place. Bluetooth helps to bring with it the promise of freedom from the cables and simplicity in networking that has yet to be matched by Local Area Network.

In the key marketplace, of wireless and handheld devices, the closest competitor to Bluetooth is infrared. Infrared holds many key features, although the line of sight it provides doesn’t go through walls or through obstacles like that of the Bluetooth technology.

Unlike infrared, Bluetooth isn’t a line of sight and it provides ranges of up to 100 meters. Bluetooth is also low power and low processing with an overhead protocol. What this means, is that it’s ideal for integration into small battery powered devices. To put it short, the applications with Bluetooth are virtually endless.

Disadvantages
Bluetooth has several positive features and one would be extremely hard pressed to find downsides when given the current competition. The only real downsides are the data rate and security. Infrared can have data rates of up to 4 MBps, which provides very fast rates for data transfer, while Bluetooth only offers 1 MBps.

For this very reason, infrared has yet to be dispensed with completely and is considered by many to be the complimentary technology to that of Bluetooth. Infrared has inherent security due to its line of sight.

The greater range and radio frequency (RF) of Bluetooth make it much more open to interception and attack. For this reason, security is a very key aspect to the Bluetooth specification.

Although there are very few disadvantages, Bluetooth still remains the best for short range wireless technology. Those who have tried it love it, and they know for a fact that Bluetooth will be around for years to come.

Below, are 10 benefits and reasons to use Bluetooth technology.

1. Wireless
As you probably already know, there are many benefits and advantages to using wireless devices. Along with improving safety as a result of cutting down wires you don’t need, wireless also offers you plenty of other advantages. When traveling with your laptop or other wireless devices, you’ll no longer have to worry about bringing connection cables.

2. Bluetooth is not expensive
The technology of Bluetooth is cheap for companies to implement, which results in lower costs for the company. These savings are then passed from the company on to you.

3. Bluetooth is automatic
Bluetooth doesn’t have you set up a connection or push any buttons. When two or more devices enter a range of up to 30 feet of each other, they will automatically begin to communicate without you having to do anything.

4. Standardized protocol
Bluetooth is standardized wireless technology, meaning that a high level of compatibility among devices is always guaranteed. Bluetooth will connect devices to each other, even if they aren’t the same brand or same model.

5. Low interference
Bluetooth devices almost always avoid interference from other wireless devices. Bluetooth uses a technique known as frequency hopping, and also low power wireless signals.

6. Low energy consumption
As a result of Bluetooth using low power signals, the technology requires very little power and will use less battery or electrical power as a result. This is an excellent benefit for mobile devices, as Bluetooth won’t drain the battery.

7. Sharing voice and data
The standard for Bluetooth will allow compatible devices to share data and voice communications. This is great for mobile phones and headsets, as Bluetooth simplifies driving and talking on your cell phone.

8. Instant PAN (Personal Area Network)
You can connect up to seven Bluetooth devices to each other within a range of up to 30 feet, forming a Personal Area Network. For a single room, you can also set up multiple Personal Area Networks.

9. Upgradeable
Upgradeable is the standard for Bluetooth. There are newer versions of Bluetooth in the works, which offer many new advantages and backward compatible with older versions.

10. The technology stays
Bluetooth technology is a world wide, universal wireless standard. With it being as popular as it is, you can count on it being around for years to come. As more and more devices start to use Bluetooth technology, more manufacturers will be eager to make their products compatible. A chain reaction will occur, making Bluetooth the standard for cutting edge wireless.

The amazing technology of Bluetooth presents a great way of exchanging data between two wireless devices. Unlike telephones, there are no wires or messy leads to worry about. You can enjoy wireless communications with short distances of up to thirty feet.

Bluetooth also offers interoperability, meaning that you can use your portable Bluetooth device to connect with existing Bluetooth points. This way, you won’t have to carry a data lead or CDs of drivers around with you everywhere you go. You can enjoy the best of wireless without having to worry about installing your software.

With today’s Bluetooth, you can use your PDA and cell phone to surf the net or check emails as you travel. If you are in the business field, this can be very beneficial, especially if you like to check your email throughout the day. Bluetooth will enable you to check your email no matter where you are, which is great news for those who like to travel.

Bluetooth will also enable to you to transfer files as well, such as MP3 and photo to and from your mobile device. Bluetooth dominates the world of short range wireless, enabling you to do more than you may have thought possible.

One of the best things to Bluetooth and something everyone loves is the wireless headset. Bluetooth offers wire free headsets for your cell phone or computer, which is great for those who like to walk around or talk on the phone in the car, without having to worry about your hands getting in the way.

To make things even better, you can use a Bluetooth GPS device for satellite navigation on your PDA, laptop, or mobile. If you travel, this can be really great to have.

Tips from Bluetooth Revealed: The Insider\’s Guide to an Open Specification for Global Wireless Communications (2nd Edition)

Many new laptop computers include built-in Bluetooth transceivers. If yours does not, or if you want to add Bluetooth to a desktop system, you can add Bluetooth by connecting a Bluetooth adapter to one of the computer’s USB ports or a plugging a PC Card into a PCMCIA socket. The most common Bluetooth USB adapters are small modules, sometimes called dongles, like the one shown below, with a Type A connector that plugs directly into a Type A socket on the computer case.

When you connect a Bluetooth adapter to your computer for the first time, Windows automatically detects the adapter and installs a device driver, either from the software supplied with Windows, or from the software disk that came with the adapter.

The Bluetooth software provided with your adapter might include a configuration program with more features and options than the program supplied with Windows. For example, the software supplied with all adapters includes the Bluetooth Setup Wizard. If you have a Bluetooth software disk, install it before you try to use Windows to set up your connections.

After you have installed the device driver, follow these steps to set up a Bluetooth connection:

1. If it’s not built into your computer, connect your Bluetooth adapter to the computer. A Bluetooth logo appears on the screen in the system tray, next to the clock.

2. Turn on the Bluetooth device that you want to use with your computer. Follow the instructions supplied with the device to make it discoverable or visible. If you’re using a mouse or keyboard, press the button on the bottom.

3. Right-click the Bluetooth logo and choose Add a Bluetooth device from the pop-up menu. The Welcome screen of the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard, appears. If you’re using software supplied with your Bluetooth adapter, you might see a different screen, but it instructs you to perform similar actions.

4. If you’re using the Add Bluetooth Device in Windows, click the box next to My device is set up and ready to be found. Click Next.

5. The wizard searches for your Bluetooth device. When the wizard finds the device, it establishes a wireless connection.

Some Bluetooth devices such as PDAs and mobile telephones perform a process called pairing (or bonding) to authenticate the connection. When you set up the connection for the first time, each device will ask you to enter a PIN (or passkey) that must be the same on both devices. The devices will convert the PIN to an internal link key, which they can store in their memories. On subsequent connections, you can either enter the passkey on both devices, or allow them to exchange the link key automatically.

Click now to get Wireless USB 2.4ghz EDR Bluetooth 2.0 Dongle Windows 7/Vista Plug and Play

Bluetooth is a short-range, frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) radio service that operates in the same unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequency range as WiFi networks and many cordless telephones, microwave ovens, baby monitors, garage door openers, and other wireless products. Frequency-hopping spread spectrum means that a Bluetooth transmitter splits the radio signal into very small segments and hops among 79 different frequencies 1,600 times per second to reduce interference and fading.

Because a Bluetooth radio is both a transmitter and a receiver, it’s sometimes known as a transceiver. In order to further reduce the likelihood of interference, Bluetooth transmitters use very weak signals. The output power of the most common Class 2 Bluetooth radios is just 2.5 milliwatts (0.0025 watts) or less, which gives the signal a range of about ten meters (30 feet) in free space. By comparison, a cellular mobile telephone typically transmits at .6 watts or 3 watts. More powerful Class 1 Bluetooth radios with a maximum range of about 100 meters (320 feet) are also available.

Computers, peripherals, and other Bluetooth devices within range of one another form a piconet (pico is Greek for “really small”) that includes one master device and one or more slaves. The master sets the frequency-hopping pattern and clock, and sends a synchronizing signal to all of the slaves, so the master maintains a two-way communications channel with each slave; individual slaves can’t communicate with each other, except through the master. The channel is divided into time units called slots that carry data from one device to another between frequency hops.

Each device identifies itself with an address that lets other Bluetooth devices know what it is. For example, all keyboards have addresses within one range, and telephone handsets have addresses in another range. When a host or base station creates a new piconet (or adds a device to an existing piconet), it only communicates with devices whose addresses are within the right range (in Windows, the Bluetooth Properties dialog box specifies the types of slave devices). When a second Bluetooth host communicates with a different address range (say, a mobile phone and headset), it creates another piconet that uses a different frequency-hopping pattern. Most of the time, the two frequency-hopping patterns don’t overlap, so the two piconets don’t interfere. If they do try to use the same frequency at the same time, both masters back off and try different frequencies. Each piconet is limited to a master and seven slaves, but there’s no practical limit to the number of piconets that can run in the same area.

When one Bluetooth device wants to communicate with another device on the same piconet, the master and slave exchange control signals in a format called the link manager protocol (LMP) or access control list (ACL). These signals specify the target device to which the signal is directed and the action that the originating device wants the target to take.

All of this radio communication is invisible to a user. Once you set the Bluetooth configuration options in Windows, the computer should automatically detect nearby Bluetooth devices and automatically establish communication links with them. If there are other Bluetooth devices in the same room, the computer ignores them because their addresses identify them as the wrong type of device.

More: Bluetooth End to End

In spite of the name, Bluetooth is not a second-string pirate captain or a particularly bizarre dental malady. It is, in fact, a short-range wireless communications technology. The original Harald Bluetooth was a tenth-century Danish king who united parts of Norway and Denmark into a single Viking kingdom. Modern Bluetooth technology was named in his honor because it was intended to unite the worlds of portable computers and mobile telephones. Today, Bluetooth has become an industry standard for wireless connections among computers, printers, and other peripheral devices, along with mobile phones, headsets, and even wearable items with built-in wireless data exchange.

In general, Bluetooth is intended to replace wired connections between electronic equipment. Ultimately, the designers of Bluetooth hoped to completely replace the confusing tangle of wires and cables behind many computers with a single wireless interface module. More important, Bluetooth makes it possible to use external peripherals (including keyboards, mice, and printers) or transfer data to a computer without the need to find and attach a cable first.

• Bluetooth is used for many kinds of wireless connections, including:
• Connecting a keyboard and mouse to a computer
• Connecting one or more computers to a printer
• Connecting a cordless telephone to a base station or a computer
• Connecting a mobile telephone or PDA to the Internet
• Connecting two computers or a computer and a handheld PDA, for data transfer
• Connecting to a Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Connecting a headset or earpiece to a mobile telephone
• Connecting headphones to a computer, a stereo, or other home entertainment system

Bluetooth’s maximum data transfer speed is only 700 Kbps, which is a lot slower than some other wireless data transfer technologies, so it’s not the best choice for every application. It’s fine when you want to connect one or more peripheral devices to a computer, but not as a replacement for high-speed Ethernet or WiFi connections.

Because Bluetooth uses radio signals that can interfere with medical equipment and aircraft navigation systems, it’s best not to use it in certain situations. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to carry cables or alternative, non-Bluetooth devices (such as a headset that connects to your computer through a cable) that you can use in places where you can’t use a Bluetooth connection.

More: Bluetooth: Operation and Use