What is Bluetooth
Wireless communication revolutionalized the entire world. Bluetooth is one of the newest technologies whose main strength is its ability to simultaneously handle both data and voice transmissions.
Bluetooth is a new technology and standard, launched in 1998. It is essentially, a small microchip, which uses a short-range radio link to exchange information, enabling wireless connectivity between mobile phones, mobile PCs and other peripherals. When two Bluetooth enabled products come within 10 meters of each other, they will automatically connect and synchronize. Because the technology uses a short-range radio link, it means that line of sight is not required for it to function.
Bluetooth wireless technology eliminates the need for numerous wired connections to other devices. Connections are instant and are maintained even if the devices do not have a clear line of sight. The range of each Bluetooth enabled device is around 10 meters but optionally reaches distances of up to 100 meters with an amplifier.
The possibilities for Bluetooth are huge. When arriving home, your PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) synchronizes with your house and the front door unlocks, preferential lighting comes on and any other pre-set configurations become active. Approaching your car, the door unlocks, the radio tunes itself to your preferred station and preset preferences become active.. As you arrive at the reception of your hotel, you are automatically checked in. Your room number and electronic key are transferred to your PDA. As you approach your room, you will be able to unlock the door via your PDA. Bluetooth is regulated by governments worldwide.
Bluetooth also uses a short packet length, which is another benefit. This technology is suited for low-power, low-cost radio implementations and is used in some wireless LAN products.
Software has developed something called ProximityMail which uses Bluetooth to create a spontaneous "Relay Area Network" (RAN) in which users can exchange text messages via PDA’s without the e-mail addresses of mobile phone numbers within ad-hoc networks. Using this new technology, it will soon be possible to send a print command from your computer to the printer in the next room, via radio link directly through the wall!
