Published on Jun 05, 2023
Bluetooth wireless technology is a cable replacement technology that provides wireless communication between portable devices, desktop devices and peripherals. It is used to swap data and synchronize files between devices without having to connect each other with cable. The wireless link has a range of 10m which offers the user mobility. This technology can be used to make wireless data connection to conventional local area networks (LAN) through an access point. There is no need for the user to open an application or press button to initiate a process.
Bluetooth wireless technology is always on and runs in the background. Bluetooth devices scan for other Bluetooth devices and when these devices are in range they start to exchange messages so they can become aware of each others capabilities. These devices do not require a line of sight to transmit data with each other. Within a few years about 80 percent of the mobile phones are expected to carry the Bluetooth chip.The Bluetooth transceiver operates in the globally available unlicensed ISM radio band of 2.4GHz. The ISM bands include frequency range at 902MHz to 928MHz and 2.4GHz to 2.484GHZ which do not require operator license from a regulatory agency. This means that Bluetooth technology can be used virtually anywhere in the world. Another type of wireless technology that is being used nowadays is infrared signals. The choice of using either one of the wireless technology will depend on the application for which it is being used. Bluetooth is an economical, wireless solution that is convenient, reliable, easy to use and operates over a longer distance than infrared. The initial development started in 1994 by Ericsson.
Bluetooth now has a special interest group (SIG) which has 1800 companies worldwide. Bluetooth technology enables voice and data transmission in a short-range radio. There is a wide range of devises which can be connected easily and quickly without the need for cables. Soon people world over will enjoy the convenience, speed and security of instant wireless connection. Bluetooth is expected to be embedded in hundreds of millions mobile phones, PCs, laptops and a whole range of other electronic devices in the next few years. This is mainly because of the elimination of cables and this makes the work environment look and feel comfortable and inviting.
WHY THE NAME 'BLUETOOTH'?
The engineers at Ericsson code-named the new wireless technology Bluetooth to honor a 10 th century Viking king in Denmark. Harald Bluetooth reigned from 940 to 985 and is credited not only with uniting that country, but with establishing Christianity there as well. Harald's name was actually Bl å tand, which roughly translates into English as 'Bluetooth'. This has nothing to do with the color of his teeth- some claim he neither brushed, nor flossed. Bl åtand actually referred to Harald's very dark hair, which was unusual for Viking. Other Viking states included Norway and Sweden, which is the connection with Ericsson (literally, Eric's son) and its selection of Bluetooth as the code- name for this wireless technology.
