Bluetooth can be found in all sorts of electronics such as MP3 players, car radios, and handheld electronic devices like PDAs. Bluetooth is most commonly used in computers and cellphones.
History
Bluetooth was introduced in 1998 by a group of technology companies that banded together to from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. The Bluetooth SIG serves as a regulatory body to ensure the compatibility of Bluetooth devices.
Purpose
Bluetooth technology was developed to replace wired data transfer and communications between electronic devices. Bluetooth can also be used for short-range Internet transmission.
Frequency
Devices equipped with Bluetooth radios operate at a frequency of 2.4 Gigahertz. Because of their high frequency and low-power Bluetooth signals are typically limited to a distance of less than 300 feet. The typical broadcast range for most devices is 33 feet.
Interference Reduction
Bluetooth shares the 2.4 Gigahertz frequency spectrum with other devices such as cordless phones and WiFi. To counteract the effects of interference, Bluetooth uses frequency-hopping. When employed, frequency-hopping shifts the Bluetooth signal between 2.4 and 2.485 Gigahertz to a point where interference is at its lowest.
Transmission Rate
Under Bluetooth 3.0 (2009) Bluetooth has a maximum date rate of 24 Mbps. This will no doubt increase as Bluetooth technology continues to evolve.
Fun Fact
Bluetooth was named after King Harald Batand of Denmark. Harald had the nickname "Bluetooth" due to his rumored love of eating blueberries.
Tags: Bluetooth technology, electronic devices