ABSTRACT
In today’s modern world, new forms of technology are invented to make our lives easier, faster and more convenient. In the early days, data transferring has to be done through wires via fax machines. The invention of the mobile phones also gave way to a much faster data transferring which involves text messaging, multi-media messaging and infrared technology that involves two devices placed closely together in order to create a successful file transfer. However due to the invention of the Bluetooth technology, data transferring has never been this easy unlike before.
Bluetooth technology unified all the devices such as Apple, and Android phones making wide-range wireless data transfer be possible and faster. In this paper, I will discuss the details related starting from history of Bluetooth, invention and its applications. Furthermore, this paper will tackle the modern day data transfer.
History of Bluetooth
‘Jacobus Cornelis Haartsen,’ also known as ‘Jaap Haartsen’ is a Dutch engineer noted for his creation of Bluetooth, which is a short-range method of wireless data transfer associated with cellular phones, computers and other electronic gadgets. While working for Ericson Mobile Platforms as an engineer, he and his fellow comrade, Sven Mattison; they developed the Bluetooth technology, and it’s approved specifications in 1994. They based Bluetooth’s specifications on FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum). FHSS is a data transfer highly used in LAWN or the Local Area Wireless Network. This systematic data transfer occurs by modulating data signal frequency into series of narrowband carriers that ‘hops’ on randomly predictable sequences.
Previously, the method of wireless data transfer is the ‘infrared file transfer’. Similarly, infrared allows electronic devices file transfers using short-ranged wireless signals bidirectional; this means that in order to establish a file transfer using the infrared, devices should be placed in opposite directions to create a roadway for the signal exchange. The distance of acceptable file transfer within infrared is no more than five meters. Compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, infrared signals cannot pass through physical obstructions like walls, doors, and windows because the infrared only works when two electronic devices are close to each other. The creation of Bluetooth set the race to the inventions of many wireless technologies. Bluetooth’s name is after Harald Bluetooth, a Danish king who is responsible for the unification of Norway and Denmark. His sister, Gunhild, consulted him after being widowed by her husband, the Norwegian king Erik Blood Axe. She desired to gain control of Norway as part of their kingdom. Harald Bluetooth used the situation to gain control of Norway. During 960 A.D., he was already at the height of his power and by that time, he successfully ruled both Norway and Denmark. Just like what the old King Harald did, Ericsson Mobile Communications spearheaded a feasibility study of a wireless data transfer than infrared. This is a low power and cheap radio interface that grants mobile phones and other electronic gadgets to transfer data over a short range. Thus, they formed SIG or Special Interest Group in February 1998, which includes the biggest companies in technology like IBM, Ericsson, Intel, Toshiba and Nokia. Nokia and Ericsson are the two leaders in cellular phones; IBM and Toshiba are the leaders in laptop and computer industry whilst Intel is the leading producer of digital signal processors. The SIG released its earliest Bluetooth specification, Bluetooth 1.0 that allowed a wireless data transfer over a short range. However, the earliest version has its own setbacks.
In 2002, the group released again the Bluetooth 1.1, which allowed them to transfer data up to 721 kilobits per second. However, the transfer of audio files in this version has an audio latency. In addition, the company again developed a much newer version, Bluetooth 2.0. The main feature of Bluetooth 2.0 is the introduction of EDR or Enhanced Data Rate for faster data wireless transfer within the nominal rate of 3 megabits per second. Specifications for Bluetooth 2.1 are a backward compatible with the earlier Bluetooth version, the 1.1. Bluetooth 2.1 features the user-friendly device inquiry response that allows a thorough check or filtering of certain gadgets before establishing a connection, including the device name, services supported, and the date and time of pairing. Pairing is the term used when two Bluetooth capable devices attempt to transfer data from one device to one another. Power consumption saver and Human Interface Devices like computer mouse and keyboards add to the battery life. Other Bluetooth versions are created by SIG in order to attain supremacy in wireless data transfers. Bluetooth Seattle or BT version 3.0 includes all the notable features and wide bandwidth adaptation provides a much faster transmission rate from one device to another, prompting a security passkey before pairing, this enables unwanted devices from transmitting junks and viruses from the system.
Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allows users a wireless data transmission. Bluetooth is effective when transferring data from one device to another in proximity without altering the speed; this technology is applicable when transmitting sound or video from one phone to another and is using only a low-bandwidth level of signals. However, compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth cannot pass through walls and greater distances. Transmission only happens when two devices are within 5 meters away from each other. Distances greater than that leads to failure of data transfer. Wi-Fi is called Wireless Fidelity is a new breakthrough from the world of technology. Wi-Fi allows users to access the internet through Wi-Fi capable phones, tablets, game consoles and laptops. This technology developed by Vic Hayes, the chairperson of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) researched the Wi-Fi feasibility study in 1997 thus, earning him the title of ‘Father of Wi-Fi’. Standard radio frequency for Wi-Fi is 802.11 to operate on a larger bandwidth than Bluetooth. As the years go by, new improvements are made to enable high internet speeds via wireless connection. Bandwidth levels are added to obtain a much faster wireless network connection. Letters at the end of each frequency numbers represent such bandwidth levels:
- 802.11a- supports high internet speeds up to 54mbps and operates on a 5GHz frequency spectrum with regulated signal distributions. This is very expensive and commonly used in businesses because of its very high frequency. However due to its very high frequency, this also means a shorter range of wireless connectivity which makes it not dependable on places with obstructions like walls, doors and bookshelves because signals cannot pass through them.
- 802.11b- unlike the 802.11a, this bandwidth level is much slower; however, the signal and connectivity is very good and one can access internet even with the presence of obstructions. However, the cons of this bandwidth is that if the frequency is unregulated, home appliances such microwave ovens, telephones and other wireless capable devices leads to signal interference. This is often used in homes, and VPN (Virtual Private Networks) because it is inexpensive and affordable.
- 802.11g- supports WLAN (Wireless Local Area Networking) emerged between 2002 and 2003. This bandwidth level also supports 54mbps, just like 802.11a. In addition, Hayes attempts to combine the features and functionality of 802.11a and 802.11b, that can function in a lower range of 2GHz to provide a higher network coverage in accessing the internet. Nevertheless, this is also prone to signal interference if the bandwidth levels are not properly regulated.
- 802.11n- this bandwidth level is the latest version of 802.11g and provides better signal qualities rather than 802.11g and are not easily obstructed whilst providing high-speed internet access for up to 300mbps within the Wi-Fi range.
- 802.11ac- The latest of all the Wi-Fi generation that uses a ‘dual band’ technology, enables Wi-Fi capable modems to support 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Maximum speed is up to 1300mbps for the 5GHz bandwidth whilst 450mbps on 2.4 GHz signals.
Wi-Fi also includes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) usually small electronic chips widely used in tracking pets or merchandise. With the help of RFID reader, one can track an organism or a merchandise as it moves from one place to another. This is also common in the Mafia to detect enemies or to track down people. This is also widely used in wireless networking as such, to transmit and receive radio signals from the tower. For example, a customer who wants his modem to be activated calls his ISP (Internet Service Provider) to ‘provision’ the modem.
Provisioning is also similar to activation because in order for the modem to access the internet; the contact center representative must do the provisioning on their end. This in turn, the ISP tower sends signals supplying the appropriate information about the modem such as brand name, serial numbers, IP and MAC addresses and the capabilities of the modems to access Wi-Fi. Docsis 1 and 2 modems are already obsolete in terms of Wi-Fi standards because these modem types cannot be provisioned and does not allow Wi-Fi access without the use of a router. Docsis 3.0 devices include wireless gateways and wimax that combines the functionality of a modem and a router. The ability of a user depends if their modems are Wi-Fi capable or not. RFID also tracks devices connected to a wireless network and activates the GPS or Global Positioning System, which traces one’s current location based on the radio frequency sent to the network.
Furthermore, let me discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is built on almost all devices including iPods, mobile phones, headsets, televisions and even on medical equipments. This technology lets users make calls, both incoming or outgoing through the use of Bluetooth capable headsets and earphones; transfer files wirelessly, eliminating the need of any cable connections; thus removing the plug, connect, install and configuring for the file transfer to become easier. Wireless data transfer becomes possible because of Bluetooth technology and because of this; it is used to establish a LAN connection. However, this technology can have disadvantages too. Bluetooth is only a short-range wireless connection; meaning if the devices are far from each other wireless data transfer cannot be possible. In addition, a phone that has Bluetooth is more prone to viruses and worse user information can be hacked. Moreover, the Bluetooth connectivity allows only two devices when transferring files and it loses connections in certain conditions like cold and snowy weather. Wi-Fi or ‘Wireless Fidelity’ provides a more convenient way of accessing the internet through wireless LAN technology than wired connections because it allows users to have freedom of mobility.
The concept allows users to move from place to place in a room where Wi-Fi signals are present. This technology provides lesser costs to both ISP and customers because this eliminates the need to buy cables used to connect to the internet. However, Wi-Fi also has its own disadvantages. First is that Wi-Fi poses an issue about security threat. More and more people are getting their valuable information hacked by unknown entity thus creating an identity theft. To combat this, wireless networks use encryption technologies to guard the customer’s information. In addition, a typical Wi-Fi range is only ten meters, to cover up a broader range; Wi-Fi extenders are used. Likewise, connectivity also fluctuates on various times depending on the number of interference present just like in the Bluetooth technology, a reason why radio signals should be modulated to the right frequency. Moreover, speed also varies with the signal. The higher signal present, the faster the connectivity can be; the weaker the signal, the slower connectivity. Depending on the place, a wireless connection may not be advisable without installing a canopy or a wired internet connection.
Businesses also utilize these forms of wireless technologies to attract consumers. As such in the absence of Wi-Fi, allows a convenient way of linking computer networks within a place without installing cable wirings. Bluetooth’s popularity to businesses comes from the fact that it enables hands-free communication. For example, in the United States the government has a law that forbids all drivers to answer all calls because it results to accidents. The Bluetooth technology offered a solution to the problem by creating Bluetooth earphones and headsets. For this to work, the user will enable Bluetooth in their mobile phone and put the earphone to their ears. This way, one can never miss important phone calls even when on the go. This is popular for businessmen because they will never miss phone calls from their clients. The LG HFB-500 is a great example of a mobile phone accessory that functions both as a charger and a speaker. This solar-powered device prohibits phone tethering and battery depletion.
Wi-Fi is also essential to growing businesses today. Most coffee shops have Wi-Fi networks installed within their place thus allowing internet access whilst enjoying cozy ambience and friendly chats. To employees, this technology is a great advantage because of the mobility, which provides them ease of access at any convenient locations they prefer. According to research, because of this technology it eliminates employees’ stress because Wi-Fi gives them an option to relocate at a more private place to do their work, to create great work outputs. Furthermore, this technology also eliminates the company’s costs for installing cables to allow network connection throughout the building.
Installing cables is a tedious job to do, as it requires technician services to install them physically. The costs of installing them is far more expensive compared to Wi-Fi, because it only needs wireless gateways and extenders to establish successful internet connectivity. Wireless networking can also serve multiple clients at the same time, compared to wired-connection because in order to do that, a technician must install additional cables for the internet connection. Because of the savings, more and more companies continue to use this technology to cater the needs of their clients, just like in the contact center industry.
Today, we are using Bluetooth 2.1, and scientists are working to develop a newer version to send videos, photos and music to other devices by utilizing Wi-Fi connections in close. Alternate MAC/PHY will be the future mode of file transferring, as Bluetooth will collaborate with available Wi-Fi networks to transfer large files. In addition, SIG is further researching a way to create a bond between Bluetooth technology and Wi-Fi, allowing Bluetooth connections to ‘jump’ to nearest Wi-Fi networks by complying with wireless standards. There are other methods, which enables Bluetooth to work with wireless broadband connection, and one of them is adapting to WiMedia Alliance's Certified Wireless USB ultra-wideband technology. This will be the next generation in wireless technology, as this will enable file transfers at high speeds by adding modulated bandwidth to support larger files.
Additional bandwidth levels will allow the transfer on a high-speed basis without being easily interfered by radio frequencies. This is also expandable, meaning the newer version will retain some of Bluetooth’s old features like the usage of wireless extenders to make a broader range for wireless connectivity. 4G wireless technologies or LTE will applicable for high-speed performance through the use of Docsis 3.0 wireless gateways such as Netgear’s ‘Beamforming’ technology. Instead of broadcasting Wi-Fi signals, this Netgear wireless gateway devices focus ‘beams’ of Wi-Fi signals at the user’s location, thus preventing signal interference from other devices like rice cookers, mobile phones, television sets, microwave ovens and radios.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology will change as time passes by. More and more applications and new types of devices are made in order to adapt with the society’s changing lifestyle. Men have continually working hard to produce devices that will cater our desires, needs and budgets and from this perspective, I daresay that the technological evolution continues to be the main driving force of the society. By the creation of these technologies, from the past years since the invention of computers and internet, we are able to put the world on the tip of our fingers. However, the use of these technologies must have a responsibility, that these technologies are not created to steal information or to support cyber-bullying and pornography. Because of the ease of access, more and more people are attracted to temptations of doing wrong on their fellowmen.
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