Bluetooth Glossary Below, you’ll find a list of the most used terms in Bluetooth technology. They can serve as a look up, or to help you learn more about Bluetooth terms in general. 2 in 1 handset The situation where a subscriber’s handset is acting as a remote handset to a base unit that provides a network connection. 3G Third generation, referring to the next generation of digital phone technology.

Using Bluetooth The amazing technology of Bluetooth presents a great way of exchanging data between two wireless devices. Unlike telephones, there are no wires or messy leads to worry about. You can enjoy wireless communications with short distances of up to thirty feet. Bluetooth also offers interoperability, meaning that you can use your portable Bluetooth device to connect with existing Bluetooth points. This way, you won’t have to carry a data lead or CDs of drivers around with you everywhere you go.

Bluetooth Wireless Networking Bluetooth technology offers three different types of defined ranges, based on output ranges. Class 1 devices are the most powerful, as they can have up to 100 mW of power, with a regular antenna giving them a range of around 130 - 330 feet. The class 2 devices are lower power, offering up to 2.5 mW of power. A regular antenna will give them a range of around 50 - 100 feet.

How Bluetooth Works Bluetooth devices will normally operate at 2.4 GHZ in the license free, globally available ISM radio band. The advantage to this band includes worldwide availability and compatibility. A disadvantage to this however, is that the devices must share this band with other RF emitters. This includes automobile security systems, other wireless devices, and other noise sources, such as microwaves. To overcome this challenge, Bluetooth employs a fast frequency hopping scheme and therefore uses shorter packets than other standards within the ISM band.