Dotsep Wireless

You might be wondering why this wireless technology was named Bluetooth and you might ask where did this funny name come from? Did it come from the inventor who had a tooth with blue color?

The real answer is the word ‘Bluetooth’ came from the 10th century king of Denmark and Norway, Harald Blatand. The name ‘Blatand’ was loosely translated as Bluetooth. So, what is the relevancy between the king’s name and wireless technology? The king did great deeds by forming unification of Norway and Denmark (including Sweden, where Bluetooth technology was initially introduced).

Based on this philosophy, Bluetooth was invented with the purpose to unite different kind of devices such as cell phones, laptops, PC’s, digital cameras, printers, PDAs, MP3 players, and other wireless enabled devices.

The Bluetooth Logo

If you notice at the Bluetooth logo, it is like designed from the combination of two letters which are a 'B' and a reverse 'K'. But it actually is a mix of two Nordic runes (ancient alphabet), they are similar to modern Latin H (Haglaz) and B (Berkanan) .

Version 1.0 and 1.0b

This is the first version the Bluetooth was introduced in 1998. It still had flaws, manufactures still had problems to make it interoperable among devices.

Version 1.1

Flaws and errors in version 1.0 and 1.0b were corrected. Bluetooth 1.1 was the first fully working operating version. It had so much greater interoperability than the previous version. Additionally, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) was added.

Version 1.2

The improvements that the Bluetooth 1.2 had were:

• It is compatible with version 1.1.
• Adaptive Frequency Hopping, support avoiding radio interference by eliminating the use of crowded frequencies in the hopping sequence.
• Higher transmission speeds
• Host Controller Interface (HCI) support 3-wire UART
• Extended Synchronous Connections Oriented links, supports re-transmissions of corrupted data for improving audio quality connections.
• HCI provides timing information for Bluetooth applications.

Version 2.0

It is compatible with all the previous version (1.x). This version had main important development which is Enhance Data Rate (EDR) that made the transfer speed from three up to ten times faster depend on the case.

• Up to 100 meter range
• Lower power consumption through a reduced duty cycle.
• Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth.
• Improved BER (bit error rate) performance.
• Distributed media-access control protocols
• Broadcast/multicast support

Version 2.1

A draft version of the Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.1 + EDR.

Bluetooth was invented by Sven Matisson and Jaap Haartsen in 1994. At that time, both of them were Ericsson staffs in Mobile Platforms in Lund, Sweden. Then the company, Ericsson joined venture with Sony Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Toshiba, Agere, Motorolla, and Nokia formed organization called Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

SIG was found on September 1998 but was formally announced on 20 May 1998. The organization is alliance of leading companies in computing, network, telecommunication, and automation industries. The SIG has mission and vision to support and encourage the Bluetooth technology invention and development.

At the first time Bluetooth technology was introduced, it was initially purposed for replacing powerline (wires and cables) technology but still focusing on delivering high speed data transmission.

Few years ago, there are lots of arguments and doubts whether Bluetooth technology will survive or not. However, Bluetooth has given a proof for its existence. Lots of improvements and changes happened since Bluetooth Core Specification Version was introduced. Several Bluetooth Core Specification Versions have been released since it was first introduced.

For further information click on Bluetooth Core Specification Version and its development since 1998.

There are lots of devices that connect to other devices, for example, keyboard and mouse connect to PC, speakers to mp3 player, cell phones to laptop, and so on. How can they connect to each other? Initially, they used cables and wires. But, as we know, it creates such a cable mess if it involves many devices. Few years ago, people have started to look for other solutions for this problem, and they found Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is one way to connect and exchange information from many devices without cables or wires, it connects wirelessly. The devices are such as cell phones, laptops, PC’s, digital cameras, printers, PDAs, or even MP3 players. By using Bluetooth technology all those devices can be connected without creating any tangled mess cables around.

What is Bluetooth actually? Bluetooth is a short-range radio standards and communication protocol mainly used for connecting low power consumption devices within a small area. It has range up to 100 meters, depending on the device’s year of production.

When Bluetooth technology was introduced, a set of standards was established as well. These global standards are the key that allows many kinds of devices, such as mobile phones, PCs, laptops, digital cameras, and many other different kinds of devices can be wirelessly connected.

Furthermore, connecting Bluetooth devices is very simple. The setup and installation can be done in a matter of minutes or seconds. Bluetooth applies the concept of ‘profiles’, this is the concept which make installation process very easy. Profile defines a list of features that is supported by the gadget. Connection between Bluetooth gadgets can be made if they have the match profiles. For example, if you want to connect hands-free headset with your mobile phone, Bluetooth automatically detects for hands-free profile on both gadgets. If it is found on both gadgets, then you are ready to make a call.

Dig your knowledge more, see How does the Bluetooth work? And Where did the ‘Bluetooth’ word come from?