Bluetooth technology is a low-power, low-cost wireless technology for short-range radio communication between various fixed and/or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, PDAs, cars, stereo headsets, MP3s, digital cameras, PCs and computer peripherals. Bluetooth also refers to the standard communication protocol (IEEE 802.15.1) specifically designed for this kind of short-range wireless communication.
The core of Bluetooth technology lies in a low-cost 9 mm x 9 mm microchip that functions as a short-range radio link when inserted into an electronic device, making the device Bluetooth-enabled. Wireless communication between various bluetooth-enabled devices takes place via these radio links, instead of via cables as used in normal networking. Since Bluetooth technology uses radio signals, which are omni-directional and can be transmitted through walls and other obstacles, Bluetooth-enabled devices don’t need to be in line of sight or be pointing at each other.
Bluetooth radio modules operate in the open, unlicensed ISM (industrial–scientific–medical) spread-spectrum 2.4 GHz frequency band, divided into 79 channels separated by 1 MHz each. To avoid interference from other signals, the Bluetooth signal hops to a new channel every time it transmits or receives a data packet, making Bluetooth connection robust and secure. The communication range of Bluetooth technology varies from 1 m to 100 m, depending upon the maximum power permitted (1 mW to 100 mW). Because of this channel hopping, there should not be a consistent problem with other devices using the 2.4 Ghz frequency band, such as old cordless phones.
Each Bluetooth-enabled device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single personal area network, called a piconet. Each device can simultaneously belong to several piconets. Each device negotiates with each other via a defined device name so that each device can keep track of who it is communicating with. The device name to use when you are setting up your Bluetooth device is typically cleared stated in the accompanying device documentation.
Bluetooth technology offers built-in security with 128-bit encryption and PIN code authentication. When Bluetooth products identify themselves, they use the PIN code the first time they connect, thereafter staying securely connected.
Practical Applications of Bluetooth Networking
Some of the popular applications of Bluetooth technology are in wireless networking between a mobile phone and a laptop/desktop, between a mobile phone and a hands-free headset, between PCs in a restricted space and between the input and output devices of a PC (e.g., mouse, keyboard, printer). Bluetooth technology can also be used to transfer files, images and MP3 files between mobile phones or between MP3 players/digital cameras and computers.
Limitations of Bluetooth Technology
Short communication range (up to 100 m) is the greatest limitation of Bluetooth technology. Also, the data transfer rates are much lower compared to other wireless communication technologies. Susceptibility to interference from other devices operating in the 2.4 MHz band, notwithstanding adaptive frequency hopping, is another limitation. The Bluetooth technology is still not fully developed, so there is plenty of room for improvement.
Bluetooth-Enabled Devices
The Bluetooth wireless technology specification is available free-of-charge to Bluetooth member companies around the world. Many companies are interested in making their devices Bluetooth-enabled in order to avoid the clutter of wires with seamless connections and offer simultaneous transmission of data and voice as in hands-free talking.
Bluetooth technology is commercially available in a wide range of applications such as mobile phones, automobiles, medical devices, play stations and many more.
By: Jon Arnold
Posts Tagged ‘Radio Communication’
Understanding The Magic of Bluetooth Technology
January 5th, 2010Optical Fiber Systems in Long Range Radio Communication
November 17th, 2009
Optical fiber systems are great importance in the long-range radio communication scenario. The optical fiber technology has greatly improved in the recent times. It is in fact one among the most recent technologies that is being use in the communication front. The superiority of the technology has been instrumental in the innovations in the filed of communication. The usage of the technology in telecommunication systems, data systems and cable television transmission has greatly contributed to the efficiency factor of these areas.
The scientific application and engineering of optical strands is the basic idea behind the systems. The data is transmitted in the form of light rays in the optical fiber equipments. Considering the speed of light, the speed of data transmission can be estimated. The high speed of data transmission has greatly contributed in quick and effective communication in various fields. The technology known as ‘total internal reflection’ is being used in this technology. The light signals are contained inside the core of the thread and this makes the system more efficient than the other systems. The data signals tend to diminish in other systems. This is the reason why it is used n long distance data transmission. The higher spend compared to the conventional techniques is also among the reasons for its usage in the long distance data transmission.
Structure of Optical Cables
Many different types of optical cables are used in the communication scenario now. A basic optical; cable has two layers. The center part of the strand is known as the core. The signals in the form of light rays travel through the core of the strand. The protective shield outside the core is known as cladding.
The cladding has to major functions. The main function is protecting the core from extreme interferences. Cladding also serves as the internal reflective boundary that enables total internal reflection. It is also the key factor as it enables the signals to travel towards the right direction towards destination.
Advantages of the System
Compared to the traditional data transmission techniques, the optical fiber technology offers many advantages. The considerable reduction in the signal loss is one among the most important advantage offered by the technology. Optical threads are also immune to the electromagnetic interference that is common with the traditional metal wire transmissions. There is also a considerable increase in the data transferred through the system. The great technology used in the components also ensures the quality of communication.
The technology also makes use of lower weight equipments and components reducing the transportation cost and handling cost. Enhanced security and higher performance are the two major aspects of this system. Lack of radiation is also among the factors that make the technology popular.
Optical strands will not produce sparks making it a safer technology when compared to the conventional techniques. Protective qualities of the cladding contribute greatly to the safety aspect. Cost effectiveness of the system also makes it a safe choice to make.
However, long distance radio communication has been greatly benefited with the introduction of this technology.
By: Simone Icough