Bluetooth is a type of wireless technology which eliminates the need for inconvenient devices and cables that are usually required for connecting computers, digital cameras, handheld devices, mobile phones and sundry other new-age digital appliances. In short, Bluetooth makes communication easier, sans cables.
Following are some of the key features of Bluetooth technology.
It uses radio waves to communicate in a 2.4 GHz spectrum.
It supports multi-point communication and not merely the point to point variety.
It usually works within a radius of 10-15 meters and offers speed of up to 2 GHz.
Bluetooth chipsets are less costly but more expensive than IrDA.
The Bluetooth technology, which even cheap mobile phones of today boast of, supports data speeds of up to 720 kpbs and three voice channels. The chip could either be built onto the cheap mobile phone or could be attached separately. In a computer, it can be attached to the USB port. Each Bluetooth device comprises a 48-bit address conforming to the IEEE 802 standards. Unlike the infrared system, Bluetooth devices don’t require a line of sight placement between the connecting units. The technology is a modified form of the present wireless LAN technology and hence more acceptable because of the relatively small size and minimal cost.
A Bluetooth device is protected from any external interference as it changes its frequency up to 1,600 times each second. Its radio technology provides a bridge between existing data networks. Besides, the technology guarantees bit-level security in both expensive and cheap mobile phones as the authentication is controlled by the end-user via a 128-bit key. An interesting facet of the technology is that it immediately builds a network whenever multiple devices, including laptops and cheap mobile phones, come in a close range. For instance, several Bluetooth devices like a mobile phone, digital camera, laptop, printer etc. can form a network. In this way, one can send emails between the phone and the laptop sans any physical connection between the two. Even a print request can be sent across to the printer remotely.
The Bluetooth technology is an easy choice of communication with a short and wire-free range. It’s a globally accepted standard to connect devices like digital cameras, MP3 players, stereo headsets, computers and even cheap mobile phones. The technology doesn’t require installation of any drivers. The key benefits of this wireless technology are its low-cost, robustness, built-in security and the ad-hoc networking capabilities.
The technology is available all over the world. Numerous manufacturers from various countries are incorporating the technology into their products. The best part is that the technology is available free of charge. Today, mobile phone companies are including the technology even in a cheap mobile phone. This has enabled the technology to reach even the common man. Moreover, low costs, low power consumption and the wireless feature have made the technology vastly popular.