Why is Bluetooth 2.0 better?
The main features of Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.0 + EDR are:
• 3 times faster transmission speed (up to 10 times in certain cases)
• Lower power consumption through reduced duty cycle
• Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth
• Backwards compatible to earlier versions
• Further improved BER (Bit Error Rate) performance
Name few applications of
Bluetooth?
* Wireless control of and communication between a cell phone and a hands free
headset or car kit. This is the most popular use.
* Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space and where little bandwidth
is required.
* Wireless communications with PC input devices such as mouses and keyboards and
output devices such as printers.
* Transfer of files between devices via OBEX.
* Transfer of contact details, calendar appointments, and reminders between
devices via OBEX.
* Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test equipment, GPS
receivers and medical equipment.
* For remote controls where infrared was traditionally used.
* Sending small advertisements from Bluetooth enabled advertising hoardings to
other, discoverable, Bluetooth devices.
* Wireless control of a games console, Nintendo’s Wii and Sony’s PlayStation 3
will both use Bluetooth technology for their wireless controllers.
* Sending commands and software to the upcoming LEGO Mindstorms NXT instead of
infra red.
How many devices can
communicate concurrently?
A Bluetooth device playing the role of the “master” can communicate with up to 7
devices playing the role of the “slave”. This network of “group of up to 8
devices” (1 master + 7 slaves) is called a piconet. A piconet is an ad-hoc
computer network of devices using Bluetooth technology protocols to allow one
master device to interconnect with up to seven active slave devices (because a
three-bit MAC address is used). Up to 255 further slave devices can be inactive,
or parked, which the master device can bring into active status at any time.
What is Pairing?
Pairs of devices may establish a trusted relationship by learning (by user
input) a shared secret known as a “passkey”. A device that wants to communicate
only with a trusted device can cryptographically authenticate the identity of
the other device. Trusted devices may also encrypt the data that they exchange
over the air so that no one can listen in. The encryption can however be turned
off and passkeys are stored on the device’s file system and not the Bluetooth
chip itself. Since the Bluetooth address is permanent a pairing will be
preserved even if the Bluetooth name is changed. Pairs can be deleted at any
time by either device. Devices will generally require pairing or will prompt the
owner before it allows a remote device to use any or most of its services. Some
devices such as Sony Ericsson phones will usually accept OBEX business cards and
notes without any pairing or prompts. Certain printers and access points will
allow any device to use its services by default much like unsecured Wi-Fi
networks.
How secure a Bluetooth
device is?
Bluetooth uses the SAFER+ algorithm for authentication and key generation. The
E0 stream cipher is used for encrypting packets. This makes eavesdropping on
Bluetooth-enabled devices more difficult.
What is Bluetooth SIG?
Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)
Bluetooth wireless technology is revolutionizing personal connectivity by
providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form
factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile
phones, other portable handheld devices and automobiles, as well as connectivity
to the Internet. The Bluetooth SIG, comprised of leaders in the
telecommunications, computing, automotive and consumer electronics industries,
is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market. The
Bluetooth SIG includes Promoter member companies Agere, Ericsson, IBM, Intel,
Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, and thousands of Associate and Adopter
member companies. The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. headquarters are located in Overland
Park, Kansas, U.S.A.
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