What is Bluetooth

Asks Esme Harrison

A. Bluetooth is the quirky name for a new short-range wireless technology that links mobile devices (e.g. it can connect a printer to a mobile phone, or mobile phone to a PC, laptop or PDA) without any cables. It is low-cost and low-power and can transmit digital signals (carrying either voice or data) very quickly. It operates in the global 2.4GHz ISM band.

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Q. What are its main advantages

A. In a nutshell, it eliminates all wires or cables between stationary and mobile devices; it allows you to create ad hoc networks, it allows you to transmit both data and voice messages and it provides synchronicity between all your personal devices - they can all be linked together.

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In addition, it has the ability to auto configure, which means that if you held a mobile phone and a palm top within range of each other - and they were both Bluetooth compliant - the Bluetooth in each device would establish a connection.

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Q. Is it similar to IrDA infrared

A. Unlike infrared, you don't have to place two devices in line of sight - as Bluetooth uses radio, it can transmit and receive through solid objects.

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Q. When was it invented

A. In 1994 Ericsson began investigating whether it could develop a low-power radio interface between mobile phones and their accessories - working on the idea that a small radio built into a phone or a laptop could replace all cable connections. Once Ericsson's development team began work on the concept they realised that it had massive potential. Not only could it link mobile phones and their accessories, but it could form a bridge between existing networks. In effect it could create ad hoc grouping away from traditional fixed network infrastructures.

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In 1998 a Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed between Ericsson, 3Com, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Toshiba and other smaller companies to monitor the technical development of short-range radio and create an open, global standard - and prevent such a technology becoming the property of one single company.

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Since 1998, the SIG has focussed its development on interoperability, frequency band harmonisation and promotion of Bluetooth.

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Q. How can it guarantee full interoperability

A. The main goal of the SIG has been to create a regulatory framework in which Bluetooth can work�- which means creating a system or standard where any mobile device is Bluetooth-compliant, regardless of the vendor or the country in which the device is used.

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To ensure that all products meet the Bluetooth compliance test they have to all meet certain profiles and base standards set by the SIG. Once these products have passed the Bluetooth Qualification Programme global interoperability can be guaranteed. All qualified devices are listed on the SIG official website http://www.bluetooth.com

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Q. Once devices have qualified and passed the Bluetooth compliance test do they give any added benefit to the customer

A. Yes. Profiles defined in version 1 of the Bluetooth specification bring Internet bridge, the ultimate headset and automatic synchroniser to your usual mobile devices.

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Q. What are these then

A. An Internet bridge provides constant Internet access without cable connection to a mobile phone or PC. It can also connect to a land line if you are near a wire-bound connection point (also without the use of cables).

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The ultimate headset allows you to use your phone via a headset even if the phone is in your briefcase or the boot of your car.

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Automatic synchronisation means that all your calendars, address books, phone numbers etc will be the same in your office or home as on your mobile device and they are constantly updated.

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Q. As radio signals can be intercepted easily, how will Bluetooth guarantee security

A. Bluetooth devices have a built-in security system (with imbedded encryption and authentication) to prevent spoofing (falsifying the origin of a message) and eavesdropping. In addition a frequency-hopping scheme with 1600 hops/sec is employed.

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Q. Will Bluetooth eventually replace wireless LANs

A. Bluetooth and wireless LANs are quite similar in that both use spread spectrum radio, allow ad hoc networks and provide data security. Bluetooth will be cheaper than setting up a wireless LAN and is likely to be more popular for this reason.

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However, wireless LANs will still be used as they can operate at higher speeds than the Bluetooth system, have a wider range (Bluetooth was specifically designed for short range communication) and will let you roam.

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Q. Why is it called Bluetooth

A. It is named after Harald Bluetooth, a 10th Century Viking and King of Denmark between 940 and 981. He is famous for having good communication skills - and making people talk to each other. In his reign Denmark and Norway were united and Christianised. Taking its influence from the great Dane, Bluetooth is said to help people talk to each other too... not to mention all that chatting going on between your PDA, your mobile phone and your laptop.

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Further information on the technical specifications of Bluetooth and the SIG can be found at http://www.bluetooth.com and http://www.bluetooth.net and http://bluetooth.ericsson.se

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By Karen Anderson