| Bluetooth BasicsBluetooth technology is | | | | definition: "Bluetooth wireless technology is |
| nothing new, but in many respects it still | | | | a worldwide specification for a small-form |
| seems to be more of a buzz word rather than a | | | | factor, low-cost radio solution that provides |
| well understood, commonly accepted | | | | links between mobile computers, mobile |
| technology. You see advertisements for | | | | phones, other portable handheld devices, and |
| Bluetooth enabled cell phones, PDAs, and | | | | connectivity to the Internet."Just like |
| laptops, and a search of the website shows | | | | 802.11 b/g wireless networking systems and |
| all sorts of different devices taking | | | | many cordless telephones, Bluetooth devices |
| advantage of this wireless standard. But, | | | | operate on 2.4 GHz radio signals. That band |
| what is it?HistoryBefore getting into the | | | | seems to be getting a bit crowded, and |
| technology, the word Bluetooth is intriguing | | | | interference between devices may be difficult |
| all on its own, and deserves a look. The | | | | to avoid. Telephones are now being offered |
| term is far less high tech than you might | | | | on the 5.8 GHz band to help remedy this, and |
| imagine, and finds its roots in European | | | | Bluetooth has taken its own steps to reduce |
| history. The King of Denmark from 940 to 981 | | | | interference and improve transmission |
| was renowned for his ability to help people | | | | quality. Version 1.1 of the Bluetooth |
| communicate, his name (in English)... Harald | | | | standard greatly reduces interference issues, |
| Bluetooth. Perhaps a bit obscure, but the | | | | but requires completely different hardware |
| reference is appropriate for a wireless | | | | from the original 1.0C standard, thus |
| communications standard.Another item worth | | | | eliminating any chance of backwards |
| investigating is the Bluetooth logo. Based on | | | | compatibility.The typical specifications of |
| characters from the runic alphabet (used in | | | | Bluetooth indicate a maximum transfer rate of |
| ancient Denmark), it was chosen as it appears | | | | 723 kbps and a range of 20-100 meters (65 to |
| to be the combination of the English letter B | | | | 328 feet - depending on the class of the |
| and an asterisk.CapabilitiesThe FAQ on the | | | | device). This speed is a fraction of that |
| Bluetooth.org ( website offers a basic | | | | offered by 802. |