Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables short-range data exchange between devices. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) developed this protocol in 1998, revolutionizing how devices communicate within personal area networks.
Core Technology
The system operates in the 2.402-2.48 GHz frequency range, using UHF radio waves to transmit data. A typical Bluetooth connection spans 10 meters (33 feet), though Bluetooth 5.0 can reach up to 400 meters (1,000 feet).
Power Classifications
The technology uses distinct power classes that determine range and energy consumption:
| Class | Power Output | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 mW | 100 meters |
| 2 | 2.5 mW | 10 meters |
| 3 | 1 mW | 1 meter |
Device Communication
Bluetooth employs a master-slave architecture where one master device can connect with up to seven slaves in a piconet. The system uses frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, switching between 79 channels 1,600 times per second to reduce interference.
Connection Profiles
The technology supports various connection profiles for specific applications:
- Headset Profile (HSP) connects audio devices
- Health Device Profile (HDP) links medical devices
- Video Distribution Profile (VDP) manages video streaming
Modern Applications
Today’s Bluetooth serves numerous purposes:
- Wireless audio streaming
- Smart home device control
- Medical device connectivity
- Automotive systems integration
- Computer peripheral connections
Technical Evolution
The standard has evolved significantly since its inception:
Version Improvements
- Bluetooth 4.0 introduced Low Energy (BLE) protocol
- Bluetooth 5.0 quadrupled the range and doubled speed
- Bluetooth 5.2 added LE Audio support
- Bluetooth 5.3 enhanced encryption and power efficiency
The technology continues to advance, with newer versions improving speed, range, and energy efficiency while maintaining backward compatibility.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks (PANs). In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5 milliwatts, giving it a very short range of up to 10 metres (33 ft). It employs UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, from 2.402 GHz to 2.48 GHz. It is mainly used as an alternative to wired connections to exchange files between nearby portable devices and connect cell phones and music players with wireless headphones.
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| Developed by | Bluetooth Special Interest Group |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 7 May 1998 |
| Industry | Personal area networks |
| Compatible hardware | |
| Physical range | Typically less than 10 m (33 ft), up to 100 m (330 ft). Bluetooth 5.0: 40–400 m (100–1,000 ft) |
| Website | bluetooth |
Bluetooth is managed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), which has more than 35,000 member companies in the areas of telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics. The IEEE standardized Bluetooth as IEEE 802.15.1 but no longer maintains the standard. The Bluetooth SIG oversees the development of the specification, manages the qualification program, and protects the trademarks. A manufacturer must meet Bluetooth SIG standards to market it as a Bluetooth device. A network of patents applies to the technology, which is licensed to individual qualifying devices. As of 2021[update], 4.7 billion Bluetooth integrated circuit chips are shipped annually. Bluetooth was first demonstrated in space in 2024, an early test envisioned to enhance IoT capabilities.
Finnish
Etymology
Unadapted borrowing from English Bluetooth, calqued from Old Norse Blátǫnn.
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