Bluetooth Technology - Essay Example

?Bluetooth Technology Bluetooth technology and the association, which oversees this technology, Bluetooth Special Interest Group came into existence in mid-1990 due to the initiatives of the Telecom companies. This body only oversees the improvements of this technology. IrDA is another wireless communication technology with certain beneficial features. However, it has sizable disadvantages. Bluetooth scores over IrDA in those aspects as well as other additional features. At the same time, Bluetooth has certain disadvantages as well, but those limitations can be managed. Development of Bluetooth technology Bluetooth technology is a key short-range communications technology or wireless protocol, which can be used to connect wide range of electronic devices including mobile phones, laptops, etc, when they are close to each other. After the connection is made, the technology can be used to securely transfer various types of files or data, and also can be used as a form of communication. “Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short wavelength radio transmissions) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security.” (“Bluetooth”). Short wavelength radio transmission in the sense, the data to be sent is broken down into small parts, and then sent through number of bands, without any synchronization issues. That is, Bluetooth adopts a “radio technology called frequency-hopping spread spectrum, which chops up the data being sent and transmits chunks of it on up to 79 bands (1 MHz each; centered from 2402 to 2480 MHz) in the range 2,400-2,483.5 MHz (allowing for guard bands).” (“Bluetooth”). This technology was first developed by the telecom company, Ericsson in the year 1994 with the main intent of developing a wireless technology that can be an alternative to the RS-232 cables. Other telecom companies joined them in adopting this technology, thus forming the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in 1998 with the SIG officially trade marking the name Bluetooth, deriving from the name of the former Danish King Harald Bluetooth. Currently, SIG has more than 15,000 member companies from various industrial sectors including telecom, Information technology and consumer electronics. SIG only oversees the formulation of the various Bluetooth specifications and importantly manages the standards for the qualification program. That is, companies can market their electronic devices as a Bluetooth-enabled device only if they fulfill the standards set by the SIG. “Bluetooth is an open technology standard, meaning that anyone who joins the Bluetooth Special Interest Group and adheres to well-outlined standards can create Bluetooth devices.” (McClain). Since its establishment in 1998, the SIG has been modifying and upgrading its technology and the features associated with it, in order to facilitate faster and better performance. Starting from Bluetooth v1.0 and v1.0B, the versions have evolved over the years, with v4.0 being the latest one and it has high speed and low energy features. The speed is based on Wi-Fi and so it is optimum and its low energy feature can operate the devices for many months or even years using just a small coin-cell batteries. (“Bluetooth 4.0”). With these advancements, the capabilities of the many electronic devices can be accentuated. More and more electronic devices are being introduced in the market, with advanced technologies and optimal features. The Bluetooth technologies and the related features are being incorporated in maximum of these devices. Because of that incorporation, the people using these devices are getting optimal benefits. Thus, it is important to study this key technology and how it can provide advantages over other wireless technologies. Comparison of IrDA and Bluetooth Infrared Technology functions with the aid of certain hardware incorporated with software, both of which will be used to send as well as receive data through Infrared radiation (IR). All these sending and receiving IR devices will normally contain small windows called IR ports. Inside these ports, there will be transceivers (a combination of a receiver and transmitter), which will only play the crucial role of sending and receiving the data using the IR frequency. So, using Infrared Technology, data can be sent without any 'wires' in a quick manner. All the IR devices transmit as well as receive data in the form of binary ones and zeros, which is a standard protocol formulated by the IrDA or Infrared Data Association. With IrDA developing globally adopted specifications for infrared wireless communication, the technology is known by that abbreviation. This common standard is well suited for low-cost, “short-range, point-to-point infrared channels.” (Baker 1). Also, these types of channels “operate over a wide range of speeds under a cross-platform environment.” (Baker 1). The main advantage with this technology is, it eliminates the hassle of cables, with this infrared functioning in a more reliable way than the wired solutions. Without the cables, it enhances the mobility by allowing users to simply “plop and connect”. From the security aspect also, IrDA has foolproof standards and with the directionality of the beam only directed towards the relevant ports, the data isn't leaked or spilled to nearby devices. However, it has sizable disadvantages or limitations, and that is where Bluetooth scores over IrDA. That is, as part of IrDA, the transmitters and the receivers has to be almost directly aligned (i.e. able to see each other), without any obstacles, for it to communicate. Aligning all the IR device ports according to the line of sight, in a work environment could give raise to more problems. The other limitation is that, this technology can work effectively only in short ranges. When the sending and the receiving ports are not placed within a certain short distance, the performance will drop. It is also sensitive to direct sunlight, rain, pollution and importantly other forms of radiation like microwaves, and could under perform when exposed to it. As Bluetooth technology is not based on the line of sight necessity, it can go through any physical obstacles such as walls. So, when there are physical obstacles in the environment, where Bluetooth technology needs to be installed, it would not cause any problems. Also, in contrast to IrDA’s smaller range, the Bluetooth technology has a wider range, going as high as 80 to 100 meters. Because of the use of minor, non-complicated devices, it requires only low power and can be easily integrated to small battery-run gadgets. In addition, with sizable number of non-wireless devices already equipped with Bluetooth technology and the needed settings, “there is no need to configure any settings as the automatic synchronizing does it for you.” (Torpey). IrDA only scores over Bluetooth in security aspects, however with safe processes that issue can also be aptly managed. Thus, when Bluetooth and IrDA are compared, Bluetooth has certain sizable advantages in the domain of wireless technologies. Limitations of Bluetooth technology and its management Although Bluetooth can facilitate barrier free data transfer, it has some limitations or disadvantages. One of the main disadvantages is, Bluetooth has low rate of data transfers when compared to other wireless technologies. That is, the data transfer rate between any Bluetooth devices ranges only 3 megabits per second, while on the other hand, the predominant wireless technology of Wi-Fi transfers at 54 Mbps. (McClain). This slow rate also prevents its use for streaming of videos and music. However, this limitation is being overcome with the use of latest standards including Bluetooth v3.0. This standard allows transfer rates of up to 24 Mbps, when a Bluetooth connection is set up in combination with a separate Wi-Fi connection. (McClain). The other limitation is the limited coverage area. Although, Bluetooth offers better reach than IrDA, there is scope for further improvement. That is, Class 2 Bluetooth devices, under which majority of the electronic devices that runs on battery comes, have a range of about 10 meters. This limitation will be disadvantage in certain scenarios. To manage that, there are Class 1 Bluetooth devices, which have a range of about 100 meters but at the same time problematic power consumption. As discussed above, with Bluetooth v4.0 having incorporated power saving features, this limitation can be managed aptly. The other limitation was, with Bluetooth devices working with the 2.4 GHz radio band, there were interferences from other wireless devices using the same unlicensed frequency. This led to overall network problems and other security problems. This limitation can also be managed with the updated standards. “Bluetooth 3.0, being used in devices created in 2010, uses the 6-9 GHz spectrum, so it will have much fewer interference issues.” (McClain). The very fact that the Bluetooth devices have wider radio frequency and range makes it more vulnerable to attack and signal interception, through activities like Bluejacking, Bluebugging, etc. In order to prevent these security threats, manufacturers of the Bluetooth enabled devices in association with SIG members are coming up with firmware upgrades as well as by providing more protective options. Bluetooth is regarded as one of the best wireless technologies and if these limitations are fine-tuned, it can provide optimal results for various sections of the population from individuals to businesses in different industrial sectors. Works Cited Baker, Bonnie C. “Wireless Communication using the IrDA Standard Protocol.” Microchip Technology Inc, 2003. Web. 16 April 2012. “Bluetooth.” Back & Rosta, n. d. Web. 16 April 2012. “Bluetooth 4.0.” Tricksnet, 2012. Web. 16 April 2012. McClain, Shawn. “What Are the Limitations of Bluetooth?” eHow Tech, n. d. Web. 16 April 2012. Torpey, Jessica Zuzierla. “Development of Bluetooth Technology,” eHow Tech, n. d. Web. 16 April 2012. Read More