Bluetooth Technology - Essay Example

?Paper Outline I. Introduction II. Bluetooth Technology III. Aim of Bluetooth Technology IV. Application of Bluetooth Technology V. Advantages of Bluetooth Technology VI. Conclusion Bluetooth Technology Introduction The Special Interest Group (SIG) owns the trademarks of Bluetooth. In the 10th Century, King Harald Bluetooth united Scandinavian Europe in an era when the whole region was being destroyed by wars and feuds. The SIG group felt that the name Bluetooth was befitting because they used the same concept like King Bluetooth. Bluetooth technology has the ability to unite different industries like the mobile phone, computing and automotive industries. The wireless technology simplifies and combines numerous ways of wireless communication to a secure, low power and cost internationally available radio frequency. As such, Bluetooth is termed as a radio frequency based electronic device. Bluetooth technology is in fact derived from combining wireless technologies. As such, these wireless technologies are connected with Bluetooth uniting them and hence making what is known as the Bluetooth Technology. Ericsson was the initial developer of Bluetooth technology. However, this was formalized by a collective group of electronic manufacturers consisting of Ericson, Intel, Nokia and Toshiba. In addition, they formed a private trade association called the Special Interest Group (SIG) that dealt with Bluetooth technology. SIG was established in September 1998 as a unification of the market leaders in sectors such as telecommunication, computing and industrial automation. During the formal introduction to the public about Bluetooth specification, a global standard was established. This created a universal path for mobile, computers and phones as well as other devices to connect wirelessly with one another. Since technology advances everyday, the description of Bluetooth technology changes as well. However, to basically describe this term, it is viewed as a global short range standard that operates on a wireless network that allows a wide range of electronic equipment to connect as well as communicate with each other. Examples of the electronic devices range from mobile phones to headsets, MP3 players, computers and peripherals. The Bluetooth Technology has essentially replaced the use of cables that allow devices to connect. Aim of Bluetooth Technology The main aim of Bluetooth technology is associated with mobile custom and phone development. The technology also aims to develop the phone software especially through the wireless technology. Bluetooth technology does influence the market through several means. For example, through the software development and wireless technology, the market prices of electronic devices increase (Campbell, 63). Over the years, Bluetooth Technology has come to be known as the standardized wireless technology to the public. Bluetooth enabled devices need to contain certain profiles in order to enable the Bluetooth technology connect with another. In order for Bluetooth device’s connection with another, atleast both devices must share the same Bluetooth profile (Gratton, 9). The Bluetooth wireless technology normally operates within the 2.4 gigahertz band open frequency. This frequency is used on other wireless devices like Wi-Fi and cordless phones. However, Bluetooth has the capacity to use the same frequency because it utilizes several key technologies without experiencing any problems. As a way of avoiding such interferences, Bluetooth uses low power signals, not more than one milliwatt. For example, powerful mobile phones normally use around three watts. Despite the fact that the signal is weaker, Bluetooth usually offers a wide range of up to thirty feet with new versions ranging up to a hundred feet. The signal which travels at one Megabyte per second is also able to pass through solid objects like walls in homes. In addition, Bluetooth transmitters operate on minimal amounts of power despite the fact that they were manufactured with such inexpensive materials. Another way that Bluetooth avoids interference is through the application of spread spectrum frequency known as hopping. Through the use of the hoping method, devices use one frequency out of the seventy nine available frequencies. Sensing any form of interference, the frequencies normally change from one device to another. It is a proven that per second, frequencies change about 1,600 times and as a result, they use just a portion of the spectrum radio. The latest version of the Bluetooth versions: 2.0 +EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) normally use enhanced technology known as Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH). When using AFH in devices, the quality of wireless signals is measured as well as detecting interferences from other wireless electronic devices. Through the use of the hopping method, Bluetooth connection has become stronger, faster as well as more reliable (Dix, 47). The introduction of the latest version of 2.0 + EDR, technology has also improved especially through the extended Synchronous Connection. This allows other Bluetooth devices the capacity to monitor as well as retransmit voice packets with the intention to the quality of the connection. This has greatly benefited various wireless devices that normally transmit audio data like headsets and headphones. When Bluetooth devices establish contact especially through similar profiles, there is the connection of a network. This is known as the Personal Area Network (PAN) but it is commonly known as Piconet. The distance covering a Piconet is small, equivalent to the space between a keyboard and a computer. However, it has the capability to connect to as many as eight different devices. As such, Bluetooth devices that have similar profiles and are compatible can connect from anywhere with the help of the PAN network. Application and Uses of Bluetooth Technology Globally, Bluetooth technology has been applied in almost every sector in every industry. This ranges from computers and its accessories, handheld devices, health sector and marketing technologies. One of the most important sectors that the Bluetooth has been applied is the security sector. With the assistance of Bluetooth security, activities like Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing and Bluebugging have been reduced. Bluejackers normally send business cards anonymously. Once accepted, important data like messages and phone contacts are unanimously stolen. Bluesnarfing enables a hacker to gain access to very important data on Bluetooth enabled phones. As a result, the hacker is able to make phone calls, send texts as well as eavesdrop on one’s phone conversations. Bluebugging is practiced by a very skilled hacker because this involves accessing another mobile phone’s commands without the owner’s permission and knowledge. This also requires very advanced software (Scarfone, 5). With the assistance of Bluetooth security, phone companies have been able to curb these insecurity threats. Advantages of Bluetooth Technology Wireless communication has enabled the synchronizing of data between mobile phones and hands free headsets. Connecting the Bluetooth device between cell phones and headsets enables one to listen to music directly from the phone. Working daily with PCs, one realizes that it is to connect different devices using many wires . The wireless networking has rid the use of numerous wires creating more room and space for the keyboard and mouse. With the assistance of Bluetooth technology, Imaging has been improved because one is able to send pictures to other cell phones, PDA’s and computers as long as a compatible Bluetooth device is available. When using printers, one is able to print images directly from mobile phones without the need to connect any wires to one’s printer (Vance, 80). The availability of Bluetooth enabled headsets and headphones makes it possible for one to listen to MP3’s, MP4’s and FM radio one one’s phone and in a very efficient manner because no wires are usually involved. One is also able to enjoy playing games with the Wireless multiplayer gaming system like N-Gage Game Deck (Syner, 18). Bluetooth has also reduced the health risks because the Radiations of Bluetooth devices are not as harmful as other mobile phone radiations. The element of safety is improved with the elimination of clusters of wires as well as associated hazardous connections. In addition, for those travelling with laptops, PDA’s, Mp3 and Mp4 players, there is no longer a need to worry about carrying along all the connecting cables. It is very easy for companies to implement the use of Bluetooth technology because of its inexpensiveness. Furthermore, the technology has low energy consumption especially because Bluetooth devices normally use low power signals. As such, the technology requires very little energy hence use less battery and electrical power. As a result, Bluetooth technology operates under low costs and energy. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be said that Bluetooth technology has improved over the years. It has been widely used in more than one area and has assisted in most sectors in our daily lives. The use of Bluetooth technology has enabled flexibility in using heavy machines like keyboards, printers or mouse. It has enabled the computers and other portable Bluetooth devices to connect without the use of wires or cables. In terms of security, this has proved to be very efficient as it is an easy and secure way of transferring data between cell phones and computers. Most importantly, Bluetooth has enabled people to solve technology problems and increase efficiency. For example, with Bluetooth, electronics are able to connect with each other from any point globally, whether in the office, in the car or homes. This allows the electronic devices to communicate hence enabling efficient working between people. As such, the Bluetooth technology has overwhelmed the technology sector and with the current trend, Bluetooth technology is bound to be around for many years to come. References Campbell I., 2007, Symbian OS communications programming. John Wiley and Sons. Dix J., 2002, Bluetooth Home at last. Vol. 19, No 3. IDG Network World Inc. Gratton D., 2003, Bluetooth profiles: the definitive guide. Prentice Hall PTR. Scarfone K., 2009, Guide to Bluetooth Security: Recommendations of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. DIANE Publishing. Syner J., 2010, How to Install Automotive Mobile Electronic Systems. MotorBooks International. Vance A. (2000) Enterprise Network. Vol. 22, No. 41. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. Read More