Bluetooth history

Bluetooth takes its name from a character in history called Harald Bluetooth. He was born in 910AD and the Bluetooth concept takes his name because in 940AD he had the ability to Unite two warring countries, Denmark and Norway. It was because of the uniting of two countries by Harald Bluetooth that the founders of Bluetooth technology took his name for the principle of uniting two components to work together remotely. The use of Bluetooth technology has the ability of linking the different technologies like , computers, mobile phones, printers, headsets etc.

Ericsson Mobile Communications had the first idea of finding a low cost, low power interface. First explorations took place in 1994 to wirelessly connect computers to mobile phones. In 1998, Lund Switzerland saw the formation of like minded companies who united into an association called the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). This group consisted of companies from different backgrounds including one leader in digital signal processing, two of them were market leaders in the cell phone industry, and the other two were leading laptop manufacturers. These companies where Ericsson, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Intel, Toshiba, and Agere. These companies now promote development and research into the technology of Bluetooth.

Ericsson Mobile Platforms had two employees Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson which developed the Bluetooth specifications. Enabling various components from different industries to Connect Bluetooth technology was developed in Scandanavia. This wireless technology is based on a frequency hopping spread spectrum providing a secure radio signal that combines and simplifies multiple forms of communication.

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group made a firm commitment to have Bluetooth technology installed in various devices and by 2002 Bluetooth technology was installed in PC’s, notebooks, desktop computers and over 100 million mobile phones had the technology as well as millions of other communications devices.

Precisely what is Bluetooth?

Operating on a short-range radio frequency it is a wireless communications network. When connected to various devices such as mobile phones and computers it provides a way of exchanging information as well and the Bluetooth technology can be used on any other apparatus that is provided with it’s built in features. Using a short wave narrow bandwidth it uses low power and therefore is medically safe to use, it is also a scientifically sound system with excellent security.

To be able to connect to one another devices need to have Bluetooth profiles and need to be compatible with each other. You can use things like mobile phones, hands free headsets, printers with wireless network communications, keyboards and a mouse, provided the profiles have been enabled.

Bluetooth Versions

Bluetooth has seen many improved qualities with many changes since version 1.Introduced in 1998 and like most other new technologies had many teething problems. The lack of devices able to communicate with each other was one of the problems.

Version 1.1 saw great improvements and it became a truly operable product with devices being able to communicate properly.

Version 1.2 was in general a better all round product, with vast voice quality improvement, backward compatibility and overall had better all round benefits.

Version2.0 improved even more with features and quality and now version 3.0 is able to communicate with several devices using a Bluetooth master device in which the slave can become the master at any given time. Master devices use there ability and can swiftly switch from one device to another.

Wi-Fi is another wireless operating system and although it has a superior operating range it uses a different technology. Wi-Fi hardware is a lot more expensive Giving Bluetooth an advantage in costs. The Bluetooth setup of its services between many devices is simpler, can be automated and security is easier. Local are networks is more for Wi-Fi which is complicated to set up and needs to have all devices configured. Bluetooth is more powerful and has better connections whilst Wi-Fi is better suited for operating larger networks. 

Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher is required to operate Bluetooth on a computer. If you run an Apple computer it has been supported by Bluetooth technology since 2002. Bluetooth instillation has been carried out on most computers but if not a device called a dongle can be used provided you have windows XP and service pack 2. The dongle device allows various devices to communicate with your computer.

The future of Bluetooth is bright and it has become the world wide wireless standard system. Bluetooth technology will see many improvements in the future such as audio and video data at a higher quality, an alternate MAC PHY, which enables transporting of Bluetooth profile data. Automatic configuration will be carried out by using Topology Management, and broadcast channelling, which will enable Bluetooth in other devises. Manufacturers are now jumping on the bandwagon and using Bluetooth technology and as more components use it the technology will grow. Bluetooth technology is here to stay.