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Introduction
Bluetooth was released to the public in 1999. After that, the use of wires for connecting devices has decreased. For example, we can now listen to calls or music with Bluetooth headphones on the go without plugging them into the mobile device's headset jack.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of how Bluetooth works. And it also explains what Bluetooth is and why it is named so. And we will also explore its uses and its pros and cons.
What is Bluetooth?
In the realm of radio transmission, Bluetooth technology distinguishes itself with its short-range and low-power abilities. It operates through non-ionizing EM waves between 2400 to 2483.5 MHz. These frequencies constitute low-energy waves that are effective for gadgets like smartphones since they consume minimal battery life.
Why is it called Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is named after Harald "Bluetooth," a Danish king in the 10th century who united the warring tribes of Denmark and Norway into a single kingdom. The Bluetooth logo is based on the symbols he used for his signatures. He was killed in 985 AD during a battle with his son. This technology is named Bluetooth based on the idea that it would unite devices the way Harald Bluetooth united the tribes of Denmark into a single kingdom.
Benefits of Bluetooth
Data can be transferred between devices without the need for the internet.
Large files can be transferred easily.
Since a code must be shared between the paired devices, it can be challenging to track the data during transfer.
If your phone has Bluetooth turned on, its Ultra High-Frequency waves can be picked up by nearby receivers. This can be used, for example, for monitoring traffic in road networks or if someone has fallen overboard.
Factors Affecting the Range of Bluetooth Devices
Radio spectrum: Bluetooth technology uses a 2.4 GHz ISM band to make a good balance between throughput and range. The spectrum has a range between 30 Hz and 300 GHz, which means the lower the frequency, the larger the range and data rate.
Sensitivity of the receiver: It is a measure of the minimum strength of the signal that a receiver can interpret. The minimum value for the sensitivity of a receiver is 80 dBm, depending on the network. If the strength is minimum, then the distance covered is small too.
Power transmitted: It defines if the signal can be heard over a long distance or not. The higher the power of a signal, the better it is since it can travel over long distances.
Antenna gain: The antenna converts the electrical energy coming from the transmitter to EM energy to send it to the receiver. For effective gain of the antenna, its type, size, and focusing power should be designed properly. The typical gain for Bluetooth is -10 dBi to +10 dBi. If the gain is less, then the range covered is less since there is a loss in signal due to focusing power.
Path loss: It is a reduction in the strength of the signal when it travels over a long distance due to atmospheric losses. The reduction generally occurs due to the absorption of these signals by atmospheric gases and hence reduces the range.
How Bluetooth works?
Pairing: Bluetooth devices should be paired first, and this procedure results in building trust between these two devices, and later they can exchange data in a secure way using encryption.
Automatic Connection: Bluetooth devices automatically detect and connect with each other. And an electronic conversation takes place to determine whether they trust each other or not in this process and have data to share with each other. The electronic conversation happens on its own.
Advertising: Bluetooth LE works differently. Devices may also be paired first to form a relationship of trust between them, but not all types of devices need this. A Bluetooth LE device that wants to be discovered by another device broadcasts a special message (known as packets) in a process known as advertising. These packets contain information about the advertising device that is broadcasting the message.
Scanning: Another suitable device will find the one that is advertising. It is done by scanning for advertising packets and only selecting those that are from appropriate devices. Generally, scanning takes place when the user triggers it by pressing a button on a smartphone. An array of existent devices come into view after a search is conducted by users. Upon a finer investigation into their specs, they make a decision on which one to connect with.
Personal-Area Network (PAN): Bluetooth peripheral devices such as an activity tracker or a smartwatch are connected to the same central device, which is a smartphone or through a personal-area network, also known as PAN, and that PAN may fill an entire building or may encompass a distance no more than that between your smartphone in your pocket and your watch. Once a piconet is established, its members use radio frequencies so that they can stay in touch with each other and avoid interfering with any other Bluetooth devices that may be working in the same room or devices that are using other wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and NFC.
Adaptive Frequency Hopping:Bluetooth technology has the ability to learn which radio channels are working fine and which ones are facing interference issues so that it can avoid bad channels and use the channels that are free from interference. This process is called adaptive frequency hopping. It allows Bluetooth devices to work really well, even in environments where there are very large numbers of wireless devices operating.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not interchangeable technologies. The former is primarily designed for internet access. In comparison, the latter is designed for data exchange between close-range connected devices. Therefore, these two cannot be stacked head-to-head since they function differently.
What is the latest Bluetooth version?
As of 2021, Bluetooth 5.3 is the latest version of Bluetooth. Version 5.3 adds more stability, security, and efficiency. Peripherals can list preferred channels with a central device. Previously, only the central device could set channels.
What is a Bluetooth driver?
A Bluetooth driver is used to connect different Bluetooth Enabled devices, such as laptops, PCs, etc. So that they can share data, it can also handle being paired with multiple Bluetooth devices at once.
What is the range of Bluetooth transmitters/receivers?
Bluetooth is designed for low-power use, and generally, the transmission range of basic devices is only 10m, about 30ft. Later versions of the Bluetooth specs may allow for longer ranges.
Conclusion
Bluetooth is a short-range and low-power radio transmission technology. It is used for connecting and sharing data between two or more devices electronically. We use Bluetooth in our daily life on various devices such as watches, headphones, and GPS. It is important to know the working of Bluetooth because it helps us to understand Bluetooth better. To Learn about Bluetooth With IoT, you can refer to this article.
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