Bluetooth is a communications protocol that facilitates data exchange over short distances. In computing, protocol refers to the set of rules that a technology employs in the transmission of information. With Bluetooth, the protocol uses a wireless connection that can connect multiple wireless devices that are in the same area. Rather than transmitting signals over a single radio frequency, Bluetooth uses ‘frequency hopping spread spectrum’ technology, which cuts up the data and sends it out over as many as 79 different radio frequencies. With this protocol, Bluetooth can transmit data at a rate of 1 MB per second. Bluetooth is favored by cell phone and computer users for remote connection and transmission.
Early Bluetooth versions 1.0 and 1.1 failed to gain popularity because they had too many programming and structural shortcomings. The wireless technology was not yet able to hold signal strength or stable connections. The 1.2 version unleashed the frequency hopping spread spectrum, which made Bluetooth connections impervious to frequency interference and stabilized their data transmissions. With this version, Bluetooth was transmitting at faster rates and its popularity was growing.
Bluetooth 2.0 introduced an EDR – Enhanced Data Rate – which speeds up the transmission of data to 2.1 megabits per second, over three times faster than the last version. At this point Bluetooth expanded its bandwidth and could support more simultaneous connections.
For its latest version – Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.1 – Bluetooth polished its user experience with more support and device discovery and connections. The Extended Inquiry Response answers more questions, which increases the filtering of devices and identifies lists of services that are supported prior to connection. The latest announcement from Bluetooth pairs its technology with a high speed, high data rate capability that can transfer large amounts of data over larger areas.
Bluetooth technology is used in many enabled electronic devices and is used to sync wireless devices so that they can communicate and transmit data. With Bluetooth technology, you can take a picture with your digital camera on your cell phone, and then print it directly. Bluetooth technology eases the transfer of large data files between devices, which can be extremely helpful for business.
In addition to business advances, Bluetooth doesn’t overlook those who aren’t as busy. Bluetooth protocol has also been used in devices that are specifically designed for rest and relaxation. There is a product on the market, called the perCushion, which hosts all the regular functions of a telephone, is Bluetooth enabled, and is designed so that the user lies on top of it like a pillow. Built for use while resting your head, or curling up on the couch, the perCushion in equipped with a microphone and a speaker, just in case holding a telephone is too strenuous.
