Contributor(s): Keith Flint, Kim Karvinen, Lawrence McKnight and David Tee


What is Bluetooth used for?

Early Bluetooth versions allowed users of cellular phonespagers and personal digital assistants to buy a three-in-one phone that could double as a portable phone at home or in the office, get quickly synchronized with information in a desktop or notebook computer, initiate the sending or receiving of a fax, initiate a printout, and, in general, have all mobile and fixed computer devices be totally coordinated over a short distance.

More recent Bluetooth versions make it possible for a user to place hands-free phone calls through a mobile phone or connect wireless headphones to a smartphone's music playlist, for example. Bluetooth technology can simplify tasks that previously involved copious wires strewn among peripheral devices. For instance, with a Bluetooth-enabled printer, one can connect wirelessly with a desktop, laptop or mobile device and print out documents. It is also possible to sync a wireless keyboard with a tablet-style device, such as an Apple iPad or Kindle Fire, or even a DVD player with a television.

Bluetooth technology

Additionally, mobile operating systems allow users to stream media, such as movies, television shows and music, to compatible TVs, speakers and media players via Bluetooth. With an eye toward the future of Bluetooth, companies such as LG are manufacturing televisions with built-in Bluetooth technology that can display 3D images users view through special "active-shutter" glasses. Though this technology is in its formative stages, it's gotten an enthusiastic reception from gamers.

Laptop or desktop computers without built-in Bluetooth can gain those capabilities through an inexpensive USB dongle. The one caveat here is Bluetooth technology typically uses considerable battery power, so it's suggested that it be monitored closely by the user to prevent a device's battery from running down.

Bluetooth technology

How does Bluetooth work?

Bluetooth technology requires that a low-cost transceiver chip be included in each device. The transceiver transmits and receives in a previously unused frequency band of 2.45 GHz that is available globally -- with some variation of bandwidth in different countries. In addition to data, up to three voice channels are available. Each device has a unique 48-bit address from the IEEE 802 standard. Bluetooth connections can be point to point or multipoint.

The maximum Bluetooth range is 10 meters. Data can be exchanged at a rate of 1 megabit per second -- up to 2 Mbps in the second generation of the technology. A frequency hop scheme allows devices to communicate even in areas with a great deal of electromagnetic interference. Built-in encryption and verification is provided.

The technology got its unusual name in honor of Harald Bluetooth, king of Denmark in the mid-10th century.

This was last updated in January 2017

Continue Reading About Bluetooth

Dig Deeper on Mobile networking




Join the conversation


Send me notifications when other members comment.


Please create a username to comment.

What are the pros and cons of Bluetooth for mobile device users?

What is Bluetooth? When was it discovered?

This Bluetooth is commonly used to share the data between two different electronic devices. This is one of the most common integration in every phone in our daily life. Based on the working of this system many new inventions are come in these days. For example Bluetooth speakers, Wireless headset, Selfie stick etc..,. The latest […] learn more..

Answer link:



File Extensions and File Formats

Powered by: