Bluetooth Basics - Bluetooth Technology Tutorial

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 search of the Geeks.com website shows all sorts of different devices taking advantage of this wireless standard. But, what is it?

History

Before getting into the technology, the word Bluetooth is intriguing 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 renowned for his ability to help people communicate, his name (in English)... Harald Bluetooth. Perhaps a bit obscure, but the reference is appropriate for a wireless communications standard.

Another item worth investigating is the Bluetooth logo. Based on characters from the runic alphabet (used in ancient Denmark), it was chosen as it appears to be the combination 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 solution that provides links between mobile computers, mobile phones, other portable 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 reduce interference and improve transmission quality. Version 1.1 of the Bluetooth standard greatly reduces interference issues, but requires completely different hardware from the original 1.0C standard, thus eliminating any chance 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 obvious 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 variety 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 include an onboard Bluetooth adaptor to allow the system to connect to any Bluetooth device 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 anyone to go hands free, as well as wire free.

Logitech, and other manufacturers, also produce 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 standard RF wireless keyboard/mouse combinations is range. Where most standard RF keyboard/mouse combinations have a range up to 6 feet; a Bluetooth keyboard/mouse combination 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 special configurations on a typical network. Printing to any compatible HP printer from a PC, PDA or mobile phone can now be done easily from anywhere 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 widespread acceptance, but Bluetooth does offer a viable solution to many devices that might not have wireless connectivity without it.

Computer Geeks tech tips and computer advice

A Brief Introduction To Bluetooth

Bluetooth was designed to allow low bandwidth wireless

connections to become easy to use so even those who

are new to wireless can use them. Version one.One of

Bluetooth describes a low power, short range wireless

networking technology that uses radio waves to send

data at rates up to 720 kilobits a second.

Bluetooth Spec

The specification for Bluetooth supplies for different

classes of radio that allow transmission ranges of

up to 100 meters by boosting the radio power. The

technology of Bluetooth isn't limited to line of

sight transmission since it uses directional waves

that are capable of transmitting through many

obstructions.

Industry Standard

Bluetooth is an industry standard communication of

wireless, meaning that it enables the connection

of other devices as well, such as cell phones,

computers, digital cameras, & other types of

electronic devices. The specification of Bluetooth

defines a radio system and a "stack" of protocol

layers and profiles. The highest layer is the

application layer, while the lowest layer is the

radio.

The wireless technology of Bluetooth is positioned

to revolutionize the personal connectivity market

by providing freedom from inconvenient fixed type

lines.

The specification for Bluetooth eliminates the need

for cables by providing a small form factor, low

cost wireless solution that will link computers,

cell phones, and other electronics. Bluetooth

also allows users to connect many ranges of devices

fast and easily and expands communications

capabilities as well.

The size of the Bluetooth radio is remarkable, as a

Bluetooth radio can be built into 1 or two very

small microchips then integrated into any electronic

device where wireless operations would be an

advantage.

Bluetooth also offers a robust link, which ensures

that normal operating circumstances are not

interrupted by interference from other signals

that are operating in the same frequency band.

Also known for its worldwide operation, Bluetooth

radio operates in the 2.four GHz frequency band, which

is license free and reachable to any type of

radio system in the world. No matter where you

are in the world, you count on Bluetooth to work.

Security is also important. Offering advanced

security mechanisms, Bluetooth ensures a high level

of security. Therefore, authentification will

prevent unauthorized acess to important data and

make it very difficult to listen in.

Bluetooth also boasts power optimization. The radio

is power friendly and the software for Bluetooth

is very configurable, limiting the power consumption

of equipment. The radio itself only consumes a

small amount of power from a cellular phone.

Oliver Dvorak has worked with Bluetooth technology since it's inception, and is an expert in many kinds of Bluetooth devices [http://www.littletips.net/bluetooth/]. He runs a small information site about the subject at bluetooth.littletips.net [http://www.littletips.net/bluetooth/]. It includes a Bluetooth glossary [http://www.littletips.net/bluetooth/bluetooth-glossary.php]

Nokia BH-900 - More Than Just a Bluetooth Headset

Bluetooth wireless technology is designed to be a type of short-range communication development that is constructed to replace cables or wires that are attached to devices. Bluetooth technology ensures that users are protected by the highest-levels of security. Bluetooth technology can be considered to be hands-free. The top features of this new type of technology are the low power, low cost and robustness of the products. Bluetooth technology allows several devices to communicate and connect with each other.

A Bluetooth headset makes it safe and easy for people to talk on a cell phone through this latest development in hands-free technology. The Bluetooth headset comfortably attaches to a person's ear. This allows the user of the headset to perform many tasks while holding a phone conversation. Plus while driving a Bluetooth headset has solved many safety concerns that were raised because of accidents occurring from the use of cell phones while driving. Bluetooth technology has literally put the focus back onto the road. A great example of the latest development in Bluetooth technology is the Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth Headset.

Looking for an elegant but comfortable Bluetooth Headset, consider the Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth Headset for your Bluetooth headset needs. This headset comes with sliding boom, noise reduction, echo canceling capabilities, along with push to talk over Bluetooth technology as an option. Other features include call handling directly from the headset; you can end the call or answer it with either a push button or the sliding boom. Looking for redialing, voice activated dialing, mute, or the ability to switch easily between phone and hands free modes consider the Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth Headset.

The Nokia BH-900 is definitely a versatile headset and ideal for those that want intelligent and elegant looking hands free solutions. The latest DSP technology has gone into the BH-900 and the sliding boom lets you personally adjust the headset for the best microphone and audio quality. And with the latest DSP technology even in the noisiest of environments your calls are going to be clear and crisp. This headset comes with up to a full 8 hours of talk time and 180 hours of stand by time. It also interfaces with Bluetooth 2.0, Hands free profiles 1.5, Headset Profile 1.1, and LCIF 1.0.

All these features on a small comfortable headset that fits on either ear means that you are getting serious quality and versatility, when you go with the Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth headset. No matter where you are, this Bluetooth headset will keep up with you. Nokia has been known as one of the leaders when it comes to mobile technology and this Bluetooth headset is definitely worthy of the name. When considering a Bluetooth headsets take a serious look at the feature packed Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth headset. You won't be disappointed in the features, functions and versatility offered by this headset. Anyone who purchases the Nokia BH-900 Bluetooth Headset will not be disappointed. This is an excellent headset that offers the user many special features.

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