Bluetooth Technology - Term Paper Example

Bluetooth Technology 1.0 Abstract Bluetooth technology is a wireless communication standard (IEEE 802.15.1) for the exchange of data within a range of ten meters, using low-power waves in the ISM (industrial, scientific and medical devices) band from mobile and fixed devices (IEEE Standards Association, p. 1). It operates at the ISM unlicensed band (2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz) by creating PANs with high security levels. Erickson created Bluetooth in 1994, as an alternative to the RS-232 data cables. Bluetooth devices transmit radio waves at not more than 1Mb/s. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) manages Bluetooth and oversees the specification and development of, protection of the trademark, and management of qualification program. SIG comprises of over 1,700 companies in the areas of computing, telecommunication, consumer electronics, and networking. This paper purposefully focusses on the following: The general history of Bluetooth; how Bluetooth relates to the OSI Model (ISO/IEC 7498-1) at the physical, data link, and application layers; the areas of application; and its future prospects (Hp Corporation, p. 176). 2.0 General History of Bluetooth Technology The "Bluetooth" term is the English version of a Scandinavian epithet, Blåtand/Blåtann. It is the epithet 10th century kings by the name Harald ‘the first’ of Denmark and some parts of Current Norway. He united the conflicting Danish tribes to form a single kingdom. Jim Kardach, who developed a software system to enable mobile phones to interface and communicate with personal computers, proposed this name. Coincidentally, Jim was reading the novel “The Long Ships” by Francs Gunnar Bengtsson which was about King Harald Bluetooth and the Vikings. Just like the king, Bluetooth technology does the same thing with communication protocols; it successfully unites them into a single universal standard (Hp Corporation, p. 173). Bluetooth was designed to embrace the frequency-hopping spread spectrum, a radio technology which chops the data being transmitted and delivers batches of the data up to a maximum of 79 bands, 1 MHz each between 2402 and 2480 MHz, within the range of 2,400 MHz –2,483.5 MHz, which allows for guard bands. It executes 800 hops per second when Adaptive Frequency Hoping (AFH) is enabled. This frequency range belongs to the 2.4 GHz unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) short-range radio wave’s frequency band (Cisco Corporation, p. 1). Initially, only the Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) form of modulation was used. Subsequently, with the invention of Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, 8DPSK, and π/4-DQPSK modulation can be used with compatible appliances. GFSK devices were engineered to operate in the BR (basic rate) mode with a data rate of up to 1Mbps. EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) describes 8DPSK and π/4-DPSK schemes, with each giving 3 and 2 Mbps respectively. Combining BR and EDR modes within Bluetooth technology is referred to as "BR/EDR radio" (Liu, p. 1). Figure 1. Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK), with a BT = 0.5 and modulation index between 0.25 and 0.35 (Liu, p. 1) Bluetooth technology has a mater-slave structure. A master can communicate to a maximum of 7 slaves at a time. The network formed by the Bluetooth devices is referred to as a piconet. Exchange of packets is based on the mater’s basic clock, ticking at 312.5 µs intervals. A 625 µs slot is made up of two clock ticks; therefore, two slots make a 1250 µs slot (Skater, p. 1). In case of single-slot packets, even slots are transmitted by the master and it receives odd slots. In response, the slave receives transmissions in even slots as it transmits packets in odd slots. The packets may either be in 1, 3 or 5 long slots but the master transmission will always begin with even slots whereas the slave will transmit using odd slots (Liu, p. 1). Figure 2. Single-slave piconet (a), multiple-slave piconet and scatternet (c) (Liu, p. 1) 3.0 Relationship to OSI model The Bluetooth protocol stack follows the OSI (ISO/IEC 7498-1) model. The upper layers support the software applications with the lower layers supporting the hardware with the lower layers supported in hardware. Bluetooth system combines many protocols which are directly applied or adapted specifically for the Bluetooth system (IEEE Standards Association, p. 1). The Protocols are categorized into groups which are used in various communication levels (a protocol stack). The Lower level protocols are used in creation, management, and disconnection of transmission between certain specific points. The Mid-level protocols are used for creation, managing, and disconnecting of logical connection between certain endpoints which may consist of multiple link connections. The High level protocols are used in launching, controlling, and closing end-user applications (Liu, p. 1). 4.0 Physical and Data Link Layer Among the OSI layers associated with Bluetooth technology is the host controller interface (HCI), physical (baseband) layer, data link layer, RF Communications protocol (RFCOMM), logical link control applications protocol (L2CAP), service discovery, and Object Exchange (OBEX). The original version of IEEE 802.15.1 standard was an adaptation of the Bluetooth specification. Bluetooth is widely used for wireless communications between portable digital devices and consumer electronics (Cisco Corporation, p. 1). The 802.15.1/Bluetooth specification standard operates mainly on the Physical and Data-link layers with four sub-layers: The Radio Frequency (RF) sub-layer is based on radio antenna power range which starts from 0 dBm to 20 dBm (Skater, p. 1). The Bluetooth standard operates within the 2.4 GHz band with a link range between 10 centimeters and 10 meters; Baseband sub-layer is responsible for establishing the physical link between appliances to form a piconet; Link manager sets up a link between different Bluetooth devices. Its other functions include negotiating Baseband packet sizes, security, duty cycle control and power mode of Bluetooth devices, and a device’s connection states; Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP) offers the upper-layer protocols with connection-oriented and connectionless services (Cisco Corporation, p. 1). The IEEE 802.15 standard Working Groups work on improving the Bluetooth technology. They came up with two general categories: the high rate 802.15.3 (TG3) and low rate 802.15.4 (TG4). TG3 supports transmission speeds from 20 Mbps and greater, used in multi-media applications. TG4 provides 20 Kbps or 250 Kbps data speeds, for low power and cost solutions. IEEE 802.11/WLAN, IEEE 802.15/Bluetooth, and IEEE 802.16/WiMAX standards complement each other with each playing a specific role in wireless communication (Microsoft Corporation, p. 1). Figure 3. Mapping between Bluetooth, OSI model and IEEE802 standards (Liu, p. 1) 5.0. Applications Layer (loosely interpreted) At the top of the OSI model resides the Application Program Interface (API) layer, popularly known as the application layer. It is a library comprising of software modules which connects the host application with the Bluetooth hardware module. The host could either be a PDA, a headphone, a laptop, or any other device (Microsoft Corporation, p. 1). Apple products have had Bluetooth capabilities since 2002 when Mac OS v10.2 was released. For Microsoft products, Windows Service Pack 2 and 3 work with Bluetooth 1.1, 2.0 and 2.0+EDR. Microsoft's Bluetooth dongles do not have external drivers hence requiring at least Windows XP Service Pack 2. Windows 7 operating system works with Extended Inquiry Response (EIR) and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Alcom, p. 3). The Linux platform has two Bluetooth stacks, Affix and BlueZ. The BlueZ stack was developed originally by Qualcomm and is included in most Linux kernels. Nokia developed the Affix stack. FreeBSD has featured Bluetooth since the 5.0 release. Bluetooth is also featured in NetBSD 4.0 and later releases. NetBSD Bluetooth stack was been ported into OpenBSD. A mobile phone which is Bluetooth-enabled can pair with other many devices. For compatibility broadcast functionality between legacy and new devices, Open Mobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) has published a paper, "Bluetooth Local Connectivity" (Liu, p. 1). 6.0 General Applications Area of Bluetooth Technology Bluetooth technology is applicable to a wide range of technology segments like telecom, computing, networking, consumer electronics, automotive, military, and medical. Among the earliest applications was the wireless control and the communication between a hands-free headset and a mobile phone (IEEE Standards Association, p. 1). Bluetooth has been used to internetwork personal computers in confined spaces and where there is little bandwidth requirement. It is used for wireless communications with PC output and input devices, like the mouse, printer, and keyboard. Bluetooth is also used in the transfer of files, calendar appointments, contact details, and reminders between OBEX devices. In addition, Bluetooth has been used to replace the wired serial RS-232 communications GPS receivers, test equipment, bar code scanners, medical equipment, and traffic control gadgets ( Javvin Company, p. 1). Bluetooth technology has been used to replace infra-red technology. Oboikovitz (p. 1) reveals that it is also used in applications using low bandwidth where the high USB bandwidth is not necessary and wireless connection is desired. The technology is used to send small advertisements from advertising hoardings which are Bluetooth-enabled to other Bluetooth devices. Game consoles like Sony’s PlayStation, PS Vita and PSP Go, and Nintendo’s Wii use for their wireless controllers. Tele-health devices and set top boxes access health sensor data using short range Bluetooth transmission (Oboikovitz, p. 1). Real-time location systems (RTLS) identify and track the position of objects using “or “tags” or “Nodes” embedded or attached to the objects being tracked. The “Readers” that process the Bluetooth signals from these nodes determine the locations. Due to the popularity and success of Bluetooth technology, many new innovations are being explored which encompass Bluetooth technology. The futuristic Bluetooth innovations being explored will be pleasing to the average consumer although a few may not. Among the companies currently working with the Bluetooth technology include Intel, Ericsson, Lenovo, Nokia, Microsoft, Toshiba, and Motorola. None of the mentioned companies can give away their valuable information and usually do not comment on anything regarding Bluetooth and what they have been working on (Laird, p. 1). Environmental control is one use of Bluetooth that is being worked. In certain locations, Bluetooth could be used in transfer of information to people’s device instructing them on how to act at specific locations. An example is Bluetooth at schools where it can be used to automatically put cell phones into silent mode. Another technology in the pipeline is the ability to use Bluetooth to make simple transactions like withdrawing cash or checking into a hotel. The drawback in such technology is the high security that is involved (Laird, p. 1). 7.0 The Future of Bluetooth Technology By the look of things, Bluetooth technology future is very promising. Maybe companies should use such ideas to come up with products which are safer and make our lives better, and entertainment us as well. The most recent specification is Bluetooth v4.0 provides wireless capabilities to devices requiring low consumption of energy like smart watches, energy-efficiency sensors, and in-home medical monitoring devices (Bluetooth SIG, p. 1). It also provides high speed transfer of data, useful for transferring ever larger data volumes such as music playlists and videos. This shows that Bluetooth devices are ready for ever-increasing bandwidth and usage demands (Laird, p. 1). Asian countries are becoming more interested in energy efficiency and home automation, especially China. The Chinese are deploying the smart energy meters in various places at an amazing rate, in the tune of 25 million meters/year. In the United States of America, a group by the name Smart Grid Interoperability Panel has been sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Microsoft Corporation, p. 1). The Bluetooth technology is being represented in the forum, which is trying to come up with solutions of how smart energy will be working in the home. Whether a person is using their mobile phone as a television remote control, streaming music from a music player or a cell phone to their home theatre system, enabling a headset to run a Skype application on their TV, pushing pictures to viewed on the TV a big screen, the Bluetooth technology enables the existing wireless products to get used in new and different ways of communication (Laird, p. 1). . 8.0 Conclusion Alongside other initiatives in the wireless communication industry, such as Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), IEEE 802.11, and IEEE 802.16 standards, Bluetooth technology will impact on everyday life due to its increasing popularity. It is among the key technologies which will make mobile information society thrive, blurring boundaries between the office, home, and the outer world. Although wireless technology does not entirely replace the functionality offered by the wired network, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Doing away with wires in telecommunication networks makes information access easily available to anyone anywhere. In future various users will no longer be tethered to the desired information, instead they will be able to access intended information, anytime and anywhere. Works Cited Alcom, Esteban. “Windows Embedded Compact: Bluetooth Architecture Overview.” 27 Mar.2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . P. 2-12. Bluetooth SIG. “Serial Port Profile.” 11 Jun. 2011. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Cisco Corporation. “A good explanation of the seven-layer OSI Reference Model.” 25 Jan. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . HP Corporation. “Understanding Bluetooth.” 03 May 2002. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . P. 170-181. IEEE Standards Association. “IEEE 802.15™: WIRELESS PERSONAL AREA.” 15 Mar. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Javvin Company. “IEEE 802.15 and Bluetooth: WPAN Communications.” (n.d.). Web. 01 Dec. 2012. < http://www.javvin.com/protocolBluetooth.html>. Laird, Cameron. “The Future of Bluetooth: What It Can and Can't Do.” 19 Jun. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Microsoft Corporation. “Bluetooth support in Windows XP.” 15 Feb. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. NETWORKS (PANs).” 12 Mar. 2012. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Oboikovitz, Diana.“Wireless Chapter 5.” 13 Jul. 2009. Web. 1 Dec. 2012. . Liu, Silan. “Bluetooth Technology.” (n.d.). Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Skater, Earth. “Bluetooth and Pervasive Computing.” 16 Nov. 2001. Web. 01 Dec. 2012. . Appendix Acronyms ACL - Asynchronous Connection-Less AES - Advanced Encryption Standard AFH – Adaptive Frequency Hoping ARQ – Automatic Repeat Request BR - Basic rate EDR - Enhanced Data Rate FCC -Federal Communications Commission FEC – Forward Error Correction FHSS - Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum GFSK - Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying IEEE - Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers ISM - Industrial, Scientific, Medical LAN - Local Area Network MAC - Media Access Control Mbps - Megabits per second NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology OSI - Open Systems Interconnection PAN - Personal Area Network PDA - Personal Digital Assistant PHY - Physical (Layer) PIN – Personal Identification Number POS - Personal Operating Space QoS - Quality of Service SAFER – Secure and Fast Encryption Routine SCO - Synchronous Connection Oriented SDP - Service Discovery Protocol SIG - Special Interest Group USB – Universal Serial Bus WLAN - Wireless LAN Read More