What is Bluetooth Technology

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology intented to replace the cables that you use to connect your cell phone, laptop or any kind of device. The key features of Bluetooth technology are its robustness, low power, and low cost.

Bluetooth technology has been accepted globally enabling any Bluetooth device, almost everywhere in the world, to connect with other Bluetooth devices within a certain proximity.

The name Bluetooth comes from the 10th century king of Denmark, King Harold Bluetooth who engaged in diplomacy which led warring parties to negotiate with each other. The inventors of the Bluetooth technology thought this a fitting name for their technology which allowed different devices to talk to each other.

The amazing thing about Bluetooth technology, is you can connect a cell phone with an iPod for example, to transfer some MP3 or anything you want to, without a bunch of wires to get tangled. Each Bluetooth device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other Bluetooth devices within a single piconet. Each Bluetooth device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously. Piconets are established dynamically and automatically as Bluetooth devices enter and leave radio proximity.

Bluetooth is a radio standard primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range (power class dependent: 1 meter, 10 meters, 100 meters) and with a low-cost transceiver microchip in each device.

Bluetooth technology lets these devices talk to each other when they come in range, even if they are not in the same room, as long as they are within up to 100 meters of each other, dependent on the power class of the product.

The most commom bluetooth device applications are:

- Bluetooth headsets for cell phones and smartphones
- Bluetooth mp3 players and digital cameras transfer files to and from computers
- Bluetooth remote controls where infrared was traditionally used
- Bluetooth peripherals such as printers, mice, keyboards