What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a communications protocol that provides a way for electronic devices to exchange information over a secure, short-range radio frequency.

Developed as a means of replacing cables, this wireless technology can be used in situations where two or more devices are in close proximity to each other and don't require high bandwidth. It is commonly used with GSM cell phones and handheld devices, either using a Bluetooth headset or transferring files from mobile phones/PDAs to computers.

How does Bluetooth Work?

Bluetooth technology uses a small radio chip designed to replace cables. The Bluetooth chip takes information that would normally be carried by the cable and transmits it to a designated receiver chip. The strength of Bluetooth technology is its ability to handle both data and voice transmission at the same time.

As the use of Bluetooth gradually increased, because of its cheap cost and low power consumption, it soon became obvious that it can be used with any electronic device. The robustness of Bluetooth technology meant it can be used practically anywhere.

It can be used to connect any electronic appliance in your home, including your refrigerator and air conditioner. Bluetooth chips can be used in freight containers to identify cargo. As new ideas are being developed, it is clear that Bluetooth will significantly change the way we use electronic devices as it becomes more and more commercially available.

The Future of Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology currently plays an integral part in VOIP telephony, with Bluetooth headsets being used as wireless extensions to the computer audio system. And as VOIP becomes more popular and more suitable for home and office users, Bluetooth may be used in cordless handsets, with a base station connected to the Internet.

A lot of research continues to done on Bluetooth. It is currently being tested to see if it can be used over a large area by increasing the intensity of its transmission signal. For the time being a Bluetooth device can connect with another within a radius of 10 meters or 32 feet.

The next version of Bluetooth will include a number of features to increase the security, usability, and value of Bluetooth.

External References

To learn more about Bluetooth technology, read the Bluetooth article at Wikipedia.org or visit the Official Bluetooth® Wireless SIG website.