Getting the Most out of Bluetooth Networks

While setting up a Personal Area Network (PAN) with a number of devices linked together can create a mess of wires and cables, Bluetooth technology can erase most of it.

Bluetooth technology is standard in today's computers, mobile phones, peripherals and PDAs. Even if your computer does not have Bluetooth, you can easily upgrade it by buying a Bluetooth interface that plugs in to your computer's USB port.

Bluetooth technology allows your computer to connect to all kinds of peripherals wirelessly, including your keyboard, mouse, and printer. It even allows you to connect to other devices within a confined space like an office or vehicle

While they have many similarities, Bluetooth is not the same as a standard wireless network, or Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi networks use a different signal band to transmit data and are compatible with most wireless devices. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a wireless alternative which uses radio signals to transmit data. Because it's a relativity new technology, Bluetooth is not compatible with existing wireless devices. It's signal strength is much less than Wi-Fi limiting range to a small room or vehicle.

As mentioned before, most computers purchased today will most likely have Bluetooth technology built in. Also, modern operating systems, both Windows and Mac OSX, have support for Bluetooth, making device setup easy.

All Bluetooth devices have their own unique 48-bit addresses. When you connect two devices, it's referred to as pairing. However, the make and model of the connecting device is usually visible when pairing. Pairing requires a passkey to authenticate the connection. The devices should be able to talk to each other freely thereafter.

Just like with a wireless signal, any Bluetooth enabled device will transmit a signal if active. Your computer and other Bluetooth devices will pick up the signal if close enough. If it's the first time you have "seen" this signal, you will have to pair the devices to make it work. Unlike a wireless signal, which can be left open for anyone to connect to, Bluetooth has built-in security.

Bluetooth technology and efficiency has been developing quickly. This year we moved into the Bluetooth 2.1 version with Bluetooth 3.0 not far behind—expected to allow data transfers of 480 Mbit/s.

As the technology develops, people are finding more and more uses for Bluetooth, especially mobile users. You can sync your computer's calendar and address book with your cell phone, get information on the go from special kiosks, or even receive information on products from Bluetooth enabled advertising.

And, of course, at the very least, Bluetooth technology will make your workspace neat and efficient.

 

Written by: Frank J Klein - CIO

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