Introduction
Bluetooth is a technology that enables short-range wireless communication between two or more electronic devices. The devices can thus transfer and synchronize data wirelessly amongst one another. Bluetooth works without cords or cables and is very convenient for transferring data amongst devices. The best part about this technology is that it is very simple and secure to use.
Bluetooth is an economic wireless solution for both data as well as voice for short distance. It is intended to create PAN (Personal Area Network). It works in stationary as well as mobile environments. It is dynamically configurable and does not require specific setup.
Bluetooth was invented by Ericsson Mobile Communication in late 1990s. It is named after Harald Bluetooth, the 10th century king (AD 940 to 985) of Denmark who is credited for uniting the country and establishing Christianity.
Bluetooth Basics
Since Bluetooth operates in the unlicensed ISM band that is also used by other devices such as 802.11 networks, baby monitors, garage door openers, microwave ovens etc, there is possibility of interference (Tutorial-reports.com, 2013). To avoid this interference, Bluetooth uses Frequency Hop Spread Spectrum (FHSS). Bluetooth frequencies are all located within the 2.4 GHz ISM band (Radio-electronics.com, n.d.).
A device having Bluetooth essentially has a small chip or hardware containing the Bluetooth radio and some software that helps establish connection between two or more devices. The range of Bluetooth also depends on the class of radio that was used at the time of implementation. There are three classes of radios:
Bluetooth Applications
Today, Bluetooth technology is used in almost any and every device. The most commonly used Bluetooth applications are:
- Hands free sets for mobile phones
- Bluetooth compatible car stereo systems
- Wireless Bluetooth headsets and intercoms
- Computer mouse, keyboard, printer and other peripheral devices for wireless communication with PC
Advantages of Bluetooth
Like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is another revolutionary technology that has gained a lot of popularity in a very short span of time because of the many advantages that it offers. Some of them include:
- The first and foremost advantage of Bluetooth is that it is wireless and thus very convenient to use. It is also very simple to use even for a non-technical person.
- It requires very low processing and battery power, thus enabling it to be installed even in the smallest of devices.
- Bluetooth is available in all types of devices, for example, cellular phones, computer devices, medical devices and home entertainment systems.
- It is very easy to pair and connect two Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Unlike many other technologies, Bluetooth technology has been designed to consume low power. It is also robust in nature.
- All Bluetooth products follow a specific standard throughout the world. So, there are no compatibility issues.
- The Bluetooth devices that need to be connected need to be facing each other. They can be at separate locations within the specified range
Disadvantages of Bluetooth
Bluetooth has some disadvantages as well. They include:
- The transfer speeds of Bluetooth devices are around 1 Mbps; however, there are other technologies, such as Infrared, that offer higher speed rates.
- Although Bluetooth technology is considered to be safe and secure, there are still chances of data being hacked. Therefore, it is not advisable to transfer important data using Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth uses very less battery as compared to many other devices; however, if switched on for a long time, it consumes battery considerable fast and lowers battery life as well.
Conclusion
Bluetooth is a technology that enables short-range wireless communication between two or more electronic devices. Bluetooth works without cords or cables and is very convenient for transferring data amongst devices. Bluetooth is an economic wireless solution for both data as well as voice for short distance. It requires very low processing and battery power. Bluetooth is available in all types of devices, for example, cellular phones, computer devices, medical devices and home entertainment systems.
The range of Bluetooth also depends on the class of radio that was used at the time of implementation. There are three classes of radios: Class 3 radios, Class 2 radios and Class 1 radios.
In spite of many advantages, Bluetooth has some disadvantages as well. Its transfer rate is lower than many other technologies like Infrared. This technology is not fully secure and there are chances of data getting hacked while data transfer. Bluetooth can lower battery lives of devices if used for long durations.
References
Tutorial-reports.com (2013). Bluetooth Technology. Retrieved from
http://www.tutorial-reports.com/wireless/bluetooth/technology.php
Radio-electronics.com (n.d.). Bluetooth radio interface, modulation, & channels. Retrieved from
http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/wireless/bluetooth/radio-interface-modulation.php
