Name and logo

The word Bluetooth is an anglicised version of the Scandinavian Blåtand/Blåtann, the epithet of
the tenth-century king Harald I of Denmark and parts of Norway who united dissonant Danish
tribes into a single kingdom. The implication is that Bluetooth does the same with
communications protocols, uniting them into one universal standard.[2][3][4]

The Bluetooth logo is a bind rune merging the Younger Futhark runes  (Hagall) (ᚼ) and  
(Bjarkan) (ᛒ), Harald's initials.

[edit] Implementation
Bluetooth uses a radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which chops up
the data being sent and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 bands (1 MHz each; centered from
2402 to 2480 MHz) in the range 2,400-2,483.5 MHz (allowing for guard bands). This range is in
the globally unlicensed Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) 2.4 GHz short-range radio
frequency band.

Originally Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation was the only modulation scheme
available; subsequently, since the introduction of Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, π/4-DQPSK and 8DPSK
modulation may also be used between compatible devices. Devices functioning with GFSK are
said to be operating in basic rate (BR) mode where an instantaneous data rate of 1 Mbit/s is
possible. The term enhanced data rate (EDR) is used to describe π/4-DPSK and 8DPSK schemes,
each giving 2 and 3 Mbit/s respectively. The combination of these (BR and EDR) modes in
Bluetooth radio technology is classified as a "BR/EDR radio".

Bluetooth is a packet-based protocol with a master-slave structure. One master may

communicate with up to 7 slaves in a piconet; all devices share the master's clock. Packet
exchange is based on the basic clock, defined by the master, which ticks at 312.5 µs intervals.
Two clock ticks make up a slot of 625 µs; two slots make up a slot pair of 1250 µs. In the simple
case of single-slot packets the master transmits in even slots and receives in odd slots; the slave,
conversely, receives in even slots and transmits in odd slots. Packets may be 1, 3 or 5 slots long
but in all cases the master transmit will begin in even slots and the slave transmit in odd slots.

Bluetooth provides a secure way to connect and exchange information between devices such as
faxes, mobile phones, telephones, laptops, personal computers, printers, Global Positioning
System (GPS) receivers, digital cameras, and video game consoles.

The Bluetooth specifications are developed and licensed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group
(SIG). The Bluetooth SIG consists of more than 13,000 companies in the areas of
telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics.[5]

To be marketed as a Bluetooth device, it must be qualified to standards defined by the SIG.

[edit] Communication and connection

A master Bluetooth device can communicate with up to seven devices in a piconet. The devices
can switch roles, by agreement, and the slave can become the master at any time.

At any given time, data can be transferred between the master and one other device (except for
the little-used broadcast mode). The master chooses which slave device to address; typically, it
switches rapidly from one device to another in a round-robin fashion.

The Bluetooth Core Specification provides for the connection of two or more piconets to form a
scatternet, in which certain devices serve as bridges, simultaneously playing the master role in
one piconet and the slave role in another.

Many USB Bluetooth adapters or "dongles" are available, some of which also include an IrDA
adapter. Older (pre-2003) Bluetooth dongles, however, have limited capabilities, offering only
the Bluetooth Enumerator and a less-powerful Bluetooth Radio incarnation. Such devices can
link computers with Bluetooth with a distance of 100 meters, but they do not offer as many
services as modern adapters do.

[edit] Uses
Bluetooth is a standard wire-replacement communications protocol primarily designed for low
power consumption, with a short range (power-class-dependent: 100 m, 10 m and 1 m, but
ranges vary in practice; see table below) based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each
device.[6] Because the devices use a radio (broadcast) communications system, they do not have
to be in line of sight of each other.[5]

Maximum Permitted Power Range

Class
mW dBm (approximate)
Class 1 100 20 ~100 meters
Class 2 2.5 4 ~10 meters
Class 3 1 0 ~1 meters

In most cases the effective range of class 2 devices is extended if they connect to a class 1
transceiver, compared to a pure class 2 network. This is accomplished by the higher sensitivity
and transmission power of Class 1 devices.[7]

Version Data Rate Maximum Application Throughput

Version 1.2 1 Mbit/s 0.7 Mbit/s
Version 2.0 + EDR 3 Mbit/s 1.4 Mbit/s
Version 3.0 + HS 24 Mbit/s

While the Bluetooth Core Specification does mandate minimums for range, the range of the
technology is application specific and is not limited. Manufacturers may tune their
implementations to the range needed to support individual use cases.

[edit] Bluetooth profiles

Main article: Bluetooth profile

To use Bluetooth wireless technology, a device must be able to interpret certain Bluetooth
profiles, which are definitions of possible applications and specify general behaviors that
Bluetooth enabled devices use to communicate with other Bluetooth devices. There are a wide
range of Bluetooth profiles that describe many different types of applications or use cases for
devices.[8]

[edit] List of applications

A typical Bluetooth mobile phone headset.

 Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone and a handsfree headset.
This was one of the earliest applications to become popular.
 Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little bandwidth is
required.
 Wireless communication with PC input and output devices, the most common being the
mouse, keyboard and printer.
 Transfer of files, contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between devices
with OBEX.
 Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test equipment, GPS
receivers, medical equipment, bar code scanners, and traffic control devices.
 For controls where infrared was traditionally used.
 For low bandwidth applications where higher USB bandwidth is not required and cable-
free connection desired.
 Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth-enabled advertising hoardings to other,
discoverable, Bluetooth devices.[9]
 Wireless bridge between two Industrial Ethernet (e.g., PROFINET) networks.
 Three seventh-generation game consoles, Nintendo's Wii[10] and Sony's PlayStation 3 and
PSP Go, use Bluetooth for their respective wireless controllers.
 Dial-up internet access on personal computers or PDAs using a data-capable mobile
phone as a wireless modem like Novatel mifi.
 Short range transmission of health sensor data from medical devices to mobile phone, set-
top box or dedicated telehealth devices.[11]
 Allowing a DECT phone to ring and answer calls on behalf of a nearby cell phone
  Real-time location systems (RTLS), are used to track and identify the location of objects
in real-time using “Nodes” or “tags” attached to, or embedded in the objects tracked, and
“Readers” that receive and process the wireless signals from these tags to determine their
locations[12]
 Tracking livestock and detainees. According to a leaked diplomatic cable, King Abdullah
of Saudi Arabia suggested "implanting detainees with an electronic chip containing
information about them and allowing their movements to be tracked with Bluetooth. This
was done with horses and falcons, the King said."[13]
 Personal security application on mobile phones for theft prevention. The protected item
has a Bluetooth marker (e.g. a headset) that is monitored continuously by the security
application. If connection is lost (the marker is out of range) then an alarm is raised. The
first known implementation of this security application of Bluetooth is BluCop, which is
published in December 2010.

[edit] Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 in networking

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi have many applications: setting up networks, printing, or transferring files.

Wi-Fi is intended for resident equipment and its applications. The category of applications is
outlined as WLAN, the wireless local area networks. Wi-Fi is intended as a replacement for
cabling for general local area network access in work areas.

Bluetooth is intended for non-resident equipment and its applications. The category of
applications is outlined as the wireless personal area network (WPAN). Bluetooth is a
replacement for cabling in a variety of personally carried applications in any ambiance and can
also support fixed location applications such as smart energy functionality in the home
(thermostats, etc.).

Wi-Fi is a wireless version of a traditional Ethernet network, and requires configuration to set up
shared resources, transmit files, and to set up audio links (for example, headsets and hands-free
devices). Wi-Fi uses the same radio frequencies as Bluetooth, but with higher power, resulting in
a faster connection and better range from the base station. The nearest equivalents in Bluetooth
are the DUN profile, which allows devices to act as modem interfaces, and the PAN profile,
which allows for ad-hoc networking.[citation needed]

[edit] Bluetooth devices

A Bluetooth USB dongle with a 100 m range. The MacBook Pro, shown, also has a built in
Bluetooth adaptor.

Bluetooth exists in many products, such as the iPod Touch, Lego Mindstorms NXT, PlayStation
3, PSP Go, telephones, the Nintendo Wii, and some high definition headsets, modems, and
watches.[14] The technology is useful when transferring information between two or more devices
that are near each other in low-bandwidth situations. Bluetooth is commonly used to transfer
sound data with telephones (i.e., with a Bluetooth headset) or byte data with hand-held
computers (transferring files).

Bluetooth protocols simplify the discovery and setup of services between devices.[citation needed]
Bluetooth devices can advertise all of the services they provide.[15] This makes using services
easier because more of the security, network address and permission configuration can be
automated than with many other network types.[citation needed]

[edit] Computer requirements

A typical Bluetooth USB dongle.

An internal notebook Bluetooth card (14×36×4 mm).

A personal computer that does not have embedded Bluetooth can be used with a Bluetooth
adapter that will enable the PC to communicate with other Bluetooth devices (such as mobile
phones, mice and keyboards). While some desktop computers and most recent laptops come with
a built-in Bluetooth radio, others will require an external one in the form of a dongle.

Unlike its predecessor, IrDA, which requires a separate adapter for each device, Bluetooth allows
multiple devices to communicate with a computer over a single adapter.

[edit] Operating system support

For more details on this topic, see Bluetooth stack.

Apple has supported Bluetooth since Mac OS X v10.2 which was released in 2002.[16]

For Microsoft platforms, Windows XP Service Pack 2 and SP3 releases have native support for
Bluetooth 1.1, 2.0 and 2.0+EDR.[17] Previous versions required users to install their Bluetooth
adapter's own drivers, which were not directly supported by Microsoft.[18] Microsoft's own
Bluetooth dongles (packaged with their Bluetooth computer devices) have no external drivers
and thus require at least Windows XP Service Pack 2. Windows Vista RTM/SP1 with the
Feature Pack for Wireless or Windows Vista SP2 support Bluetooth 2.1+EDR.[17] Windows 7
supports Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and Extended Inquiry Response (EIR).[17]

The Windows XP and Windows Vista/Windows 7 Bluetooth stacks support the following
Bluetooth profiles natively: PAN, SPP, DUN, HID, HCRP. The Windows XP stack can be
replaced by a third party stack which may support more profiles or newer versions of Bluetooth.
The Windows Vista/Windows 7 Bluetooth stack supports vendor-supplied additional profiles
without requiring the Microsoft stack to be replaced.[17]

Linux has two popular Bluetooth stacks, BlueZ and Affix. The BlueZ stack is included with most
Linux kernels and was originally developed by Qualcomm.[19] The Affix stack was developed by
Nokia. FreeBSD features Bluetooth support since its 5.0 release. NetBSD features Bluetooth
support since its 4.0 release. Its Bluetooth stack has been ported to OpenBSD as well.

[edit] Mobile phone requirements

A Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone is able to pair with many devices. To ensure the broadest
support of feature functionality together with legacy device support, the Open Mobile Terminal
Platform (OMTP) forum has published a recommendations paper, entitled "Bluetooth Local
Connectivity".[20]

[edit] Specifications and features

The Bluetooth specification was developed in 1994 by Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson, who
were working for Ericsson in Lund, Sweden.[21] The specification is based on frequency-hopping
spread spectrum technology.

The specifications were formalized by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The SIG was
formally announced on May 20, 1998. Today it has a membership of over 13,000 companies
worldwide. It was established by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Toshiba and Nokia, and later joined by
many other companies.

[edit] Bluetooth v1.0 and v1.0B

Versions 1.0 and 1.0B had many problems, and manufacturers had difficulty making their
products interoperable. Versions 1.0 and 1.0B also included mandatory Bluetooth hardware
device address (BD_ADDR) transmission in the Connecting process (rendering anonymity
impossible at the protocol level), which was a major setback for certain services planned for use
in Bluetooth environments.

[edit] Bluetooth v1.1

 Ratified as IEEE Standard 802.15.1-2002[22]

 Many errors found in the 1.0B specifications were fixed.
 Added support for non-encrypted channels.
 Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI).

[edit] Bluetooth v1.2

This version is backward compatible with 1.1 and the major enhancements include the following:

 Faster Connection and Discovery

 Adaptive frequency-hopping spread spectrum (AFH), which improves resistance to radio
frequency interference by avoiding the use of crowded frequencies in the hopping
sequence.
 Higher transmission speeds in practice, up to 721 kbit/s,[23] than in v1.1.
 Extended Synchronous Connections (eSCO), which improve voice quality of audio links
by allowing retransmissions of corrupted packets, and may optionally increase audio
latency to provide better support for concurrent data transfer.
 Host Controller Interface (HCI) support for three-wire UART.
 Ratified as IEEE Standard 802.15.1-2005[24]
  Introduced Flow Control and Retransmission Modes for L2CAP.

[edit] Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR

This version of the Bluetooth Core Specification was released in 2004 and is backward
compatible with the previous version 1.2. The main difference is the introduction of an Enhanced
Data Rate (EDR) for faster data transfer. The nominal rate of EDR is about 3 Mbit/s, although
the practical data transfer rate is 2.1 Mbit/s.[23] EDR uses a combination of GFSK and Phase Shift
Keying modulation (PSK) with two variants, π/4-DQPSK and 8DPSK.[25] EDR can provide a
lower power consumption through a reduced duty cycle.

The specification is published as "Bluetooth v2.0 + EDR" which implies that EDR is an optional
feature. Aside from EDR, there are other minor improvements to the 2.0 specification, and
products may claim compliance to "Bluetooth v2.0" without supporting the higher data rate. At
least one commercial device states "Bluetooth v2.0 without EDR" on its data sheet.[26]

[edit] Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR

Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.1 + EDR is fully backward compatible with 1.2, and was
adopted by the Bluetooth SIG on July 26, 2007.[25]

The headline feature of 2.1 is secure simple pairing (SSP): this improves the pairing experience
for Bluetooth devices, while increasing the use and strength of security. See the section on
Pairing below for more details.[27]

2.1 allows various other improvements, including "Extended inquiry response" (EIR), which
provides more information during the inquiry procedure to allow better filtering of devices
before connection; sniff subrating, which reduces the power consumption in low-power mode