Bluetooth Guide

8/8/2019 Bluetooth Guide

1/26

Discover the world of Bluetooth technology


2/26


3/26

Table of Contents

The Freedom of Bluetooth .......................................4Introduction ......................................................................5How does it work? ............................................................7Bluetooth vs. WiFi .............................................................8Bluetooth Specs and Classes .........................................10What can I do with Bluetooth? ........................................ 12

Connecting with Bluetooth ....................................15Why Bluetooth? ..............................................................15How do I Bluetooth-enable my computer?......................16What Bluetooth devices are available? ........................... 17Software and hardware requirements ............................19Can anyone connect with my Bluetooth devices? ..........20

Bluetooth Networking ............................................23Can I use Bluetooth to create a network? ...................... 23Will Bluetooth interfere with other wireless devices? ......25

Summary .................................................................25


4/26

4

The Freedom of Bluetooth

Wouldnt it be great to quickly connect your PC to another

PC to share music, data and calendar info, without usingany wires? Or wirelessly access phone numbers on your

PDA from your cell phone? Wouldnt talking on a phone

while driving be easier and dramatically safer if you

didnt have to be distracted holding the phone or be

tethered to a wired headset?

Wouldnt it be cool to be able to enjoy rich stereo audio

from your MP3 player or home entertainment system

wirelessly, with complete freedom to walk from den to

kitchen without interruption? Want to get rid of the yards

of cables snaking through your office but still be able to

use your computer to access the Internet, print files, sync

data with your PDA, and print photos taken from your

digital camera minutes ago, wirelessly?

With more and more cars coming equipped with

Bluetooth technology, imagine the convenience as well

as safety of conversing with family, friends and business

associates without taking your hands off the wheel. Wontit be nice to be able to wirelessly navigate even the most

difficult routes in foreign cities using Bluetooth and GPS

technologies?

Now you can. Bluetooth is here!


5/26

5


Introduction

Bluetooth is a standard for a small, low-cost, powerefficient radio chip that can be used by computers,

printers, mobile phones, headsets, headphones, and

numerous other consumer electronics. This technology

allows multiple devices to communicate with each other,

or one device can control and manage several other

devices.

Background

Much in the same way that King Harald Bluetooth united

Denmark and Norway, Bluetooth was designed to unite

computers, phone equipment and many other electronics

devices. Back in 1994, Ericsson Mobile Communications

began a feasibility study on an inexpensive low-power

radio solution between cell phones and phone accessories.

Four years later, Ericsson, along with Nokia, IBM, Toshiba

and Intel formed the Bluetooth Special Interest Group

(SIG). This association represented leading companies

in mobile telephony, notebook computers and a market

leader in digital signal processing technology.

Bluetooth was positioned as easy to use link that would

create a personal area network. Immediately, the media

and public raised unrealistically high expectations even

before the first hardware products arrived. The technology

initially delivered more failures than successes, withnumerous bugs, complexities, and incompatibilities.

By 1999 the year Bluetooth Spec 1.0 was introduced


6/26

6

- 850 companies had joined the SIG. A year later, when

spec 1.1 was accepted, the Group boasted well over1,000 members and a full 2000 companies had become

involved by Fall 2003 when Bluetooth Spec 1.2 was

announced.

Today, the Bluetooth SIG counts among its members

3,400 companies.


Instant Multi-device NetworkA Bluetooth to USB Adapter such as IOGEARsGBU311 or GBU211 allows any computer to become

a Bluetooth-enabled computer, and be able to send

to and receive information from a wide variety ofother Bluetooth products.


7/26

7

How does it work?

Bluetooth takes the information normally carried by a

wire and transmits it at a special frequency to another

Bluetooth device. Both the sending and receiving devices

have what is called a Bluetooth receiver chip, which

translates data into a wireless transmission and then

back to normal again, depending on if it is sending orreceiving data.



8/26

8

Bluetooth vs. WiFi

Perhaps pitting these two wireless technologies againsteach other is unfair since both offer unique advantagesand complement rather than compete with each other.

WiFi offers a means to wirelessly connect one or morecomputers to each other and to a router so they can accessthe Internet. WiFi range can reach longer distances than

Bluetooth and transfers data faster as well.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless medium but offers ameans to link not just computers, but PDAs, headphones,headsets, printers and other technology with each other.

Bluetooth

Data Transfer Rate up to 732 kbps

Range up to 330 ft. (100 m)

Frequency Band 2.4 Ghz

Network Protocol Required No

Power Efficient Yes

Pros Designed for quick short range network.Features lower power consumption

Small protocol stack

Robust data & voice transfer

Low-costReplacement for parallel, serial network

and audio cable

Ideal for WPAN

Cons Poor choice for WLAN

Medium data transfer rate



9/26

9

802.11b Wired LAN

up to 11 mbps up to 11 Mbps

up to 330 ft (100 m) N/A

2.4 Ghz N/A

Yes Yes

No No

Designed for infrequent mobilityIP-based data transmission

Medium range

High data rate

Ideal choice for WLAN

Extremely high data rateRange is limited by

cables

Perfect choice for LAN

Expensive

Power-hungry

Only for network cable replacement

Wired cable solution


You can link your computer, printer and cell phone with each

other, so both the computer and cell phone can print withoutcables. You can sync the address book on your computerwith your cell phone. Using your Bluetooth headset, you canwirelessly communicate with friends using SKYPE, Vonageor other Voice over IP (VOIP) phone system.

A computer can use both Bluetooth and WiFi simultaneously.

A wireless WiFi connection can connection the computerto the Internet access point, while Bluetooth adapter canallow the computer to print wirelessly and well as speakwith other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as a headset,PDA, etc.


10/26

10

Bluetooth Specs and Classes

Since its introduction in 1994, the specifications forBluetooth have continuously improved.

Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B

The original Bluetooth specifications had numerous

problems and the various manufacturers had great dif-

ficulties in making their products interoperable. Becauseof the way Bluetooth devices had to communicate with

each other, anonymity was impossiblel

Bluetooth 1.1

In version 1.1 added support for non-encrypted channels

was added

Bluetooth 1.2

This version is backwards compatible with 1.1. Major

enhancements include:

Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH), which improves

resistance to radio interference by avoiding the use

of crowded frequenciesHigher transmission speeds

Bluetooth 2.0

This version is backwards compatible with 1.x. The main

enhancement is the introduction of Enhanced Data Rate

(EDR) of 2.1 Mbit/s.3X faster transmission speed (up to 10 times in

certain cases).

Lower power consumption



11/26

11

Classes

Bluetooth devices are known as Class 1, Class 2 orClass 3.

Class Range Power

consumption

Applications

1 Up to 330 ft

(100m)

Greater Typically used by

devices that requireextended range, such

as Bluetooth to USB

Adapters (IOGEARGBU311) and more.

2 Up to 66 ft(20m)

Lesser Typically used bydevices which do not

require great rangeand should conserve

notebook battery power,such as Bluetooth

MiniMice (IOGEAR

GME225B), Bluetooth

GPS (IOGEARGBGPS201), Printer

Adapters (IOGEARGBP201), and more.

3 Up to 33ft

(10m)

Least Used by devices require

very short range, suchas cell phones, PDAs



12/26

12

What can I do with Bluetooth?


Wirelessly Transfer Data

Transfer pictures, files, e-mails, and other data

between Bluetooth devices such as desktop

computers, PDAs, cell phones, printers, notebooks,

and more

Print files, documents and pictures from your computer

or PDAUse the address book on your PDA to dial phone

numbers on your cell phone

Hot Sync a PDA or mobile phone with your computer

without plugging in wires; when you update your

calendar or contact list, all your other Bluetooth-

enabled devices will update automatically

Compute Wirelessly

Use a Bluetooth-enabled mouse

Print to a Bluetooth-enabled printer

Network to other local Bluetooth-enabled computers


13/26

13


Enjoy Entertainment Wirelessly

Plug a Bluetooth audio adapter into your stereo orMP3 player and enjoy high-quality wireless stereo

sound on Bluetooth headphones

Wirelessly Converse with Family, Friends and Work

Associates

In the home or office, converse locally and long

distance using your Bluetooth-enabled headset,computer and Voice Over IP (VOIP)

In the car, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes

on the road using a Bluetooth

headset and Bluetooth cell

phone

Wirelessly Navigate with your GPS

Get highly-detailed map data

with the latest traffic data on

your Bluetooth GPS system


14/26

14

Wirelessly Send & Receive Messages

Use your notebook or PDA to discreetly sharethoughts and ideas during meetings with other

attendees using Bluetooth-enabled computers

Wirelessly Connect with and Share the Internet

Connect your computer to the Internet wherever

you are using your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone asa modem

Share a dial-up or broadband Internet connection

among computers without the need for a router or

networking

Live and Travel Wirelessly

Reduce the messy clutter of wires on your desk

Eliminate the concern of remembering to pack the

right wires when traveling

Compose e-mail messages while in flight and have

your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone send them as

soon as you land

Abandon clumsy notebook touchpads and use yourBluetooth-enabled wireless MiniMouse



15/26

15

Why Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was designed for consumers and small office/

home office users as an easy-to-use, inexpensive way to

transmit data without wires.

Bluetooth uses minimal electricity so it may extend

the life of battery-powered devices such as notebook

computers

Built-in encryption and authentication assure safe,

secure wireless communication

Bluetooth is perfectly suited for computers, mice,

phones, pens, laptops, PDAs, cameras and any small

battery-powered deviceGovernment actions are beginning to make hands-

free solutions mandatory while driving

Driver distraction is contributing cause to 20-30%

of motor vehicle crashes

Around the world, more than 25 countries have

enacted laws to restrict use of mobile phones invehicles

Connecting with Bluetooth


16/26

16


How do I Bluetooth-enable my computer?

A Bluetooth USB adapter can easily enable your

computer with wireless Bluetooth capabilities. Simply

plug the adapter into your computers USB port, install

self-running software, and youre ready to go wireless!

Surf the Internet or send e-mails by connecting to a

Bluetooth phone or access point

Share a dial-up or broadband Internet connectionwith other computers or devices, without the need for

a router or Ethernet networking

Hot Sync data with other Bluetooth devices

Using Bluetooth headset to make phone calls through

Internet (Skype)

Using Bluetooth stereo headset to enjoy the digital

music stored in your computer or downloaded from

Internet

Using Bluetooth mouse


17/26

17


Bluetooth phones can connect a

computer or PDA to the Internet.

Send e-mails or surf the web; or

synchronize phone numbers and

print pictures to a Bluetooth printer.

Make a call on your Bluetooth

headset while your mobile phone is

in your pocket, purse or briefcase!

Never again will you have to fi ght a

tangled wire while trying to answer

your phone. Ideal for use in your car

or for making VOIP calls from your

Bluetooth-enabled computer.

Enjoy full stereo audio without being

tethered to your stereo or MP3

player! Bluetooth headphones delivercomplete freedom from wires, so

youre free to move around without

risk of entanglements. With IOGEARs

GBMH201 Bluetooth headphones,

you can even control the volume and

skip from track to track, and, since itcomes with a detachable microphone,

comfortably make calls from yourBluetooth-enabled cell phone.

Headsets

Stereo

Headphones

Mobile Phones

What Bluetooth devices are available?


18/26

18


Audio Adapters

Printers/Printer

Adapter

Keyboards

and Mice

Bluetooth Audio Adapters like

IOGEARs GBMA201 let youBluetooth-enable all your music andaudio devices including mp3 players,

computers, home stereos, TV sets,and more.

A Bluetooth-enabled printer is a

great way to get rid of some messy

cables in your offi ce, and gives you

the freedom to position your printer

across the room or across the

hallway.

Using a Bluetooth keyboard and

mouse offers the freedom of

wireless connectivity. No more

worries about positioning your

computer within range of yourkeyboard or mouse cables!

The Bluetooth GPS receiver allows

you to receive positioning data from

satellites and deliver the data tomobile computing devices wirelessly

via Bluetooth.

GPS


19/26

19

Software and hardware requirements

To Bluetooth-enable a computer, the following are

required:

One Bluetooth USB Adapter such as IOGEARs

GBU311 and GBU211

One available USB port

One CD-ROM DriveFor PC: Windows 2000/XP

For Mac: Mac OS X (10.3.9) or better

We invite you to keep up to date on the latest IOGEAR

Bluetooth communication innovations at


www.iogear.com
http://www.iogear.com/http://www.iogear.com/


20/26

20

Can anyone connect with my Bluetooth devices?

You can easily connect with your friends and colleagues

Bluetooth devices to share information, pictures, Internet

access, and a wide range of other uses. However,

Bluetooth features three types of built-in security to

prevent unwanted connections with your equipment:

Pairing, Encryption, and Pass Key Protection

Pairing

This function enables Bluetooth devices to remain

permanently linked to each other. Even if a pairedBluetooth device is turned off, or just out of range, it will

be visible to the Bluetooth devices it has been paired

with when it is powered on again or comes within range.

Bluetooth Built-in Security:

- Pairing

- Encryption

- Pass Key



21/26

21

Encryption

Bluetooth features 128-bit security encryption to makesure that no other devices can receive transmissions

that you send.

Pass Key

This is a unique, case-sensitive password that is set

by the user and is required in order to access andcommunicate with the Bluetooth device. The Pass Key is

continually incorporated into the 128-bit Encryption; also

it reinforces pairing by only allowing devices to pair if the

password matches.

As noted earlier, nowhere is Bluetooth more at homeas on the road. By eliminating wires, Bluetooth allows

drivers to converse telephonically without jeopardizingsafety. Voice operated Bluetooth-enabled cell phones andBluetooth headsets were quite literally made for each

other, and give drivers complete freedom to get to theirdestination safely while staying in touch.

Car manufacturers from BMW to Chrysler to Toyotaequip their cars with Bluetooth technology as standardequipment. With a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone,

drivers can place and answer calls as well as browseand select phone book contacts simply by using buttonsoften found on steering wheels and keys on their radios.

Bluetooth on the Road



22/26

22

On some vehicles, its even possible to activate these

functions using voice commands that interface withthe vehicle itself. Just say, Phone home, and youll beconnected in moments, without having to lift a finger offthe wheel.

Getting lost while driving is becoming a thing of the past with

Bluetooth GPS systems such as IOGEARs GBGPS201.This palm-sized device wirelessly communicates withGPS satellites and Bluetooth-enabled PDAs, notebookcomputer, or car-mounted PCs that are gaining in

popularity. Guidance information is transmitted from thesatellites to the GPS and wirelessly from the GPS to thePDA/notebook/dashboard-mounted PC monitor. These

GPS systems can be carried from one vehicle to another,including rental cars, ending frustration and optimizingbusiness travel.



23/26

23

Can I use Bluetooth to create a network?

All that is needed to connect to a network is a Bluetooth

enabling device, such as IOGEARs Bluetooth to USB

Adapter.

Bluetooth Networking


24/26

24

As many as eight Bluetooth devices can be connected at

once! For example, you can have a couple of Bluetooth-enabled computers, a mobile phone, a video camera, a

printer, a PDA, and a Bluetooth access point all working

together to share an Internet connection, synchronize

address books and calendars, share a printer, and

perform various other functions.

If there are more than eight Bluetooth devices in the same

area, only eight of them can be linked together via pairing

to communicate at the same time. Any other devices will

not interfere with the Bluetooth network.



25/26

25

Will Bluetooth interfere with other wireless

devices?

Bluetooth operates at the 2.4 GHz range. While wireless

Ethernet 802.11 and some cordless phones do share the

2.4 GHz band range, Bluetooth is designed to operate

in a noisy-frequency environment; moreover, by using

constant frequency hopping, any possible interferencewould be minimal and intermittent.


Bluetooth offers a very affordable, high-speed, secure,

simple and dependable way to communicate and share

data wirelessly. Today Bluetooth technology spans the

technology, automotive, medical, gaming, entertainment,

communications and other industries worldwide.

Thats why companies including Lexus, Texas Instruments,

Apple, Hewlett Packard, BMW, Sony Ericsson, Chrysler,Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Toshiba, and hundreds of

other developers are introducing more and more new

Bluetooth-enabled products that incorporate this new

proven standard in communications.

For further information about Bluetooth technology pleasecome to:

Summary

www.iogear.com/btinfo
http://www.iogear.com/btinfohttp://www.iogear.com/btinfo


26/26

23 H bbl I i CA 92618 P 949 453 8782 F 949 453 8785

www.iogear.com

Documents

Bluetooth Guide