Short-Range Wireless Connectivity: A Complementary Comparison (cont.)

by Puneet Gupta

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a high-speed, low-power microwave wireless link technology, designed to connect phones, laptops, PDAs and other portable equipment together with little or no work by the user. Unlike infra-red, Bluetooth does not require line-of-sight positioning of connected units. The technology uses modifications of existing wireless LAN techniques but is most notable for its small size and low cost. Whenever any Bluetooth-enabled devices come within range of each other, they instantly transfer address information and establish small networks between each other, without the user being involved.

Features:

• Operates in the 2.56 GHZ ISM band which is globally available (no license required)
• Uses FHSS (Frequency hop spread spectrum)
• Can support upto 8 devices in a piconet
• Omni-directional, non line of sight transmission through walls
• 10m to 100m range
• Low cost, $20
• 1mW power
• Extended range with external power ampilifier (100 meters)

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