What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a new low power wireless data transmission technology and protocol, designed to replace existing wired connections, such as with connecting personal appliances, office equipment and household appliances. The range of portable devices, which Bluetooth can be used for, is impressive, including Bluetooth headsets for mobile phones, electronic notebooks, PDAs, and many other devices. Furthermore, the number of devices compatible with Bluetooth is constantly increasing.

Bluetooth technology was developed in 1998 by a group of leading telecommunication companies. Bluetooth provides an opportunity to unite into a local network a wide range of devices, from mobile phones and computers, and even refrigerators. Some of the important advantages of this technology include: low cost, small size, great compatibility and ease of integration into various applications.

Bluetooth technology can be used to connect your cell phone with a PDA or laptop, which is much more convenient, in comparison to having to monitor "point to point" infrared connections between the devices, or using cramped wires, connecting two devices.

Bluetooth devices transmit confidential personal and business information and other data that must be protected. Bluetooth is a smart technical device, providing the owner with various additional possibilities, such as changing the level of protection with a password, and many other options.

Bluetooth systems are capable of equipping mobile phones with various external devices, such as Handsfree external memory and wireless modems. A Bluetooth communication device is virtually indispensable for use while driving, which requires special caution. Bluetooth headsets allow talking on the phone without having to hold it in your hand. Moreover, such headsets emit much less of the harmful radiation than the cell phones themselves.

Bluetooth has its competitors, including IrDA OBEX, and HomeRF.

IrDA is an infrared wireless connection technology, capable of connecting two devices, located up to 1-2 meters (3-6.5 feet) apart. The major drawback of IrDA is that this connection will not work, if there are obstacles, such as walls, in its way. Furthermore, unlike Bluetooth, IrDA requires a direct "point to point" connection between the devices.

HomeRF is designed to link household audio and video devices and to build a home radio network. Data transmission is also at a 2.4 GHz frequency, but with jumps by 50 times per second. The carrying capacity of HomeRF is larger than that of Bluetooth. However, the number of connected devices is limited to 127. The range is up to 50 meters (164 feet).

As we can see, Bluetooth has some important features, allowing it to outdo its competitors.

One of the possible directions for the future development of the Bluetooth systems is the availability of an automatic connection between devices. Generally, the number of connected devices changes quite frequently within a network. Setting the connections manually each time can be quite uncomfortable.

Growing demand in Bluetooth networking makes this protocol technology become more powerful and reliable with each new version.