What is Bluetooth and what is it for?
Bluetooth ® wireless technology is a short-range wireless technology that enables wireless data transmission between digital devices , such as a computer, mobile phone, speaker... BLUETOOTH wireless technology works within a range of approximately 10-20 meters .
What advantages does Bluetooth have?
- The accessibility It is one of the advantages of this protocol, it does not require any configuration to achieve the connection and make a transfer. This makes bluetooth the best alternative for the business area, to transfer files wirelessly and even between individuals , since sending files via bluetooth does not lose quality .
- Is a secure connection , there is no interference with devices that have not been recognized by placing the number that identifies the connection. Whoever initiates the connection can decide whether to place a code in order to achieve a secure link . In this way the connection and transfer of files is 100% secure with the other person
- You may control who connects since you can accept or reject the transfer . This prevents the sending of infected or unnecessary files from unknown people to your computer.
- The access to this technology is free , you just need to have a device that has this technology to be able to connect.
What disadvantages does Bluetooth have?
- It cannot be used to connect to the Internet , therefore, this makes the data transfer speed a limitation in its use .
How many versions of Bluetooth are there?
bluetooth version |
Release date |
News |
Bluetooth 1.0a |
July 1999 |
First version released |
Bluetooth 1.0b |
December 1999 |
Improvements from the first version |
Bluetooth 1.1 |
February 2001 |
Resolved connection and security issues; first marketable version; encryption; up to seven connections at a time. |
Bluetooth 1.2 |
November 2003 |
Downward compatibility with Bluetooth 1.1; Less interference thanks to AFH (Adaptive Frequency Hopping) |
Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR |
November 2004 |
Data transmission rates x3 thanks to EDR (Enhanced Data Rate); new methods for saving energy; use of NFC (Near Field Communication) for pairing |
Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR |
August 2007 |
PIN-free connection thanks to Secure Simple Pairing (SSP) |
Bluetooth 3.0 + HS |
April 2009 |
Wi-Fi and UWB (Ultra Wide Band) based High Speed (HS) additional channel |
Bluetooth 4.0 LE (also: Bluetooth smart) |
December 2009 |
Low Energy (LE) protocol stack for various energy saving methods (eg, GATT profile) for small devices; improved bug fixes; 128 bit encryption |
Bluetooth 4.1 |
December 2013 |
Smaller devices no longer need intermediaries; IPv6 |
Bluetooth 4.2 |
December 2014 |
General improvements |
Bluetooth 5.0 |
December 2016 |
Increased range and maximum data rate |
Bluetooth 5.1 |
December 2019 |
Know location of connected devices. |
Bluetooth 5.2 | December 2020 |
Important improvements in radio frequency. Increased security. Lower consumption. Increased signal stability. Ability to send audio to multiple devices at once |
What is the range of Bluetooth?
Guy |
maximum transmission power |
Maximum range (indoors) |
Maximum range (outdoors) |
Applications (examples) |
Type 1 |
100mW |
100m |
200m |
computers, laptops |
Type 2 |
2.5mW |
10m |
50m |
Bluetooth adapters, computers, laptops |
Type 3 |
1mW |
1m |
10m |
Mobile devices |
In which devices is Bluetooth used?
- Desktop and Laptop Computers – Many current Windows and Linux operating systems support Bluetooth out of the box. A chip integrated in the hardware allows the connection of different peripherals such as mice, keyboards, headphones or printers . Additionally, wireless technology is used for two-factor authentication security tokens. In general, current devices usually come with Bluetooth 5.0 as a minimum.
- Mobile Devices : Virtually all modern phones and tablets have built-in Bluetooth chips . Thanks to them we can synchronize files, photos and videos with the personal computer . They generally have bluetooth 5.0 or higher .
- Audio output devices : Many wireless speakers and headphones have Bluetooth , allowing you to play MP3 files directly from your smartphone . They generally have bluetooth 5.0 or higher .
- Hands-free devices : If the smartphone is paired via Bluetooth to the car's or helmet's hands-free device, incoming calls can be answered directly. In well-equipped vehicles, the on-board computer is also compatible with this wireless technology, allowing you to navigate through your mobile phone's contacts and menus from the screen in the cabin. They generally have bluetooth 5.0 or higher .
- Sports devices and home automation : Some fitness trackers and smart watches send health data directly to the smartphone's health app via Bluetooth . Bluetooth-enabled household appliances, alarm systems, electronic locks or digital photo frames have also contributed to the success of home automation systems all over the world. They generally have bluetooth 5.0 or higher .
- Toys and game consoles : The toy industry is constantly releasing new dolls and action figures that can communicate and interact with each other via Bluetooth . Popular game console controllers such as the Nintento Switch, Play Station 4 and Xbox ONE also work via this wireless standard . They generally have bluetooth 5.0 or higher.
- Medical technology : High-end hearing aids can be equipped with a hands-free function thanks to Bluetooth technology . In addition, advanced prosthetic arms and legs, insulin pumps, and glucose meters can now be configured wirelessly.
- Industry : Wireless communication technology does not forget to boost industry itself, as machines and manufacturing plants are interconnected and make it possible to further automate production processes .