1.
What is Bluetooth®?
Bluetooth is a low bandwidth, wireless networking technology
designed primarily to replace cables for communication between
personal computing and communication devices. It is intended
to be used for both voice and data communications.
2.
Why is it called Bluetooth?
The Bluetooth name refers to King Harald "Bluetooth"
Blaatand, a famous Danish king of the 10th century, who unified
Denmark and Norway. In the beginning of the Bluetooth wireless
technology era, Bluetooth was aimed at unifying the telecom
and computing industries.
3. What is the history of Bluetooth?
Bluetooth was initiated by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia and
Toshiba in early 1998. These companies later formed a special
interest group known as the Bluetooth SIG. The Bluetooth 1.0
specifications were released on July 26, 1999, but the technology
has only recently become inexpensive enough for widespread
use.
4. How does Bluetooth fit in with WiFi?
The 802.11b (WiFi) standard is commonly used for wireless
networking. Bluetooth is not a competitor with 802.11b, but
rather a complement to it. While 802.11b is generally a replacement
for wired local area networking, Bluetooth is a replacement
for cables between individual devices. Bluetooth is designed
to link devices with low bitrate requirements within a very
short range. Bluetooth is part of the 802.15 standard.
5. What are some of the uses of Bluetooth?
Depending on the Bluetooth profile supported, Bluetooth technology
has the capabilities to wirelessly synchronize and transfer
data among devices. The Bluetooth audio capabilities can be
used for cordless telephony and headset applications. The
exact functionality provided by a Bluetooth enabled device
depends on the Bluetooth profiles included (Please see the
Bluetooth profile section below for more details about the
Bluetooth profiles supported by Verizon Wireless’ products).
6. Is Bluetooth typically built in to laptops/computers?
Bluetooth is not generally built in to most laptops sold in
the US today. However, a Bluetooth adaptor can be added to
a laptop either as a PCMCIA card or a USB dongle (which looks
like a memory stick). If a Bluetooth adaptor is added to a
laptop or computer, a Bluetooth client must be installed on
the computer to be able to use Bluetooth.
7. What is A2DP Technology?
A2DP technology
is a new music revolution allowing you to send CD quality
stereo music from one device to another without wires. A2DP
is stereo music sent over Bluetooth without the hassle of
plugging cables. Bluetooth Wireless Technology with A2DP technology
makes mobile phones, pda’s and computers capable of
streaming music directly to products such as the X5 Stereo
Headset or the Sonic Portable Speakers.The Advanced Audio
Distribution Profile (A2DP) is just one of the modes available
for Bluetooth technology.
Profiles
1.
What are Bluetooth profiles?
A profile is a description of how to use a specification to
implement a given end-user function. The International Standards
Organization (ISO) first came up with the idea of profiles.
In Bluetooth, there are several profiles available
2. Why don't all BlueTooth phones support all
four profiles
Each wireless
carrier determines which profiles are available on their BlueTooth
phones. Most carriers do not disable profiles but there are
exceptions. With Verizon Wireless, they have chosen to disable
or "cripple" the BlueTooth OB-EX (object exchange)
profile on all of their BlueTooth phones and PDAs:
The four BlueTooth
profiles are:
* Headset-for connecting Bluetooth headsets/Hands-free-for
connecting hands-free car kits
* Dial-up Networking (DUN)-to allow the handset to be used
as a modem.
* OB-EX File/object transfer (for transferring pictures, ringtones,
games or other files)
* Synchronization (for synchronizing calendar/contacts files)
Currently,
Verizon disables BlueTooth Object Exchange capabilities on
all of their BlueTooth models. RIM also disables OB-EX because
of security concerns.
3.
What is the Bluetooth bonding process?
All Bluetooth
accessories must go through a bonding process with the handset
before they can be used. The bonding process consists of ensuring
that the handset Bluetooth radio is on, placing the handset
in Bluetooth discovery mode (in which it searches for discoverable
accessories), selecting the appropriate Bluetooth device (after
discovery), and entering the appropriate PIN number. Once
a Bluetooth accessory has been bonded with the handset, it
can be used with the handset, without the need for rebonding,
assuming the appropriate profile exists for the required service.
Some phones have a device profile or device settings option
which gives several Bluetooth options for the device. The
most important of these is "Trusted Device". The
options are Yes, No and Ask. Dr Wireless recommends the Yes
setting for seamless operation.
4. What is the Bluetooth headset profile?
The Bluetooth
headset profile allows the use of a Bluetooth headset with
a Bluetooth phone.
5.
What is the Bluetooth hands-Free profile?
The Bluetooth
hands-free profile allows the use of hands-free devices, such
as car kits.
6. What is the Bluetooth Dial-up Networking (DUN)
profile?
The Bluetooth
dial-up networking profile allows the use of the Bluetooth
handset as a modem. In this configuration, Bluetooth acts
as a replacement for the cable that is used to connect the
computer to the handset in tethered mode. The user has several
steps to take before Bluetooth dial-up networking can occur:
1. The laptop/computer
must have Bluetooth capability (typically by using a PCMCIA
card or USB dongle for hardware and the associated Bluetooth
client for software)
2. The laptop/computer must be bonded to the handset
3. A dial-up networking profile must be created on the laptop/computer
(e.g., manually created using the Microsoft wizard or automatically
created by the
carrier's client software.Back to top Setup of Bluetooth Accessories
1.
How do I set up a Bluetooth headset?
Follow these
steps:
1. Put the
headset accessory in "Discovery Mode" (or discoverable)
· For Motorola device, turn off, then press and hold
power for 8 seconds. On newer models, it's the call button.
Headset power light will remain on
· NOTE: Setting a device into discoverable mode varies
by OEM. See accessory manual on how to make device discoverable.
2. Power on the Phone
3. Select Menu>Settings>Connection
4. Highlight Bluetooth and select OK
5. Scroll to Setup>Power
6. Set to ON (this powers ON the Bluetooth radio)
7. Press Back to return to Bluetooth Screen
8. Select Handsfree
9. Press OK to look for devices (this causes the handset to
look for discoverable accessories)
10. Phone will scan for all Bluetooth Devices
11. Highlight device (headset) that you wish to pair with
your phone, press OK
· You MAY be prompted for a PIN code
· The default for most hands-free accessories is 0000
12. When successful,
headset accessory will beep and light will flash
2. How do I get help setting up accessories other
than headsets?
1. What are
the basic Bluetooth data rate specs?
Bluetooth
supports both voice and data. The voice channels operate at
64 kbit/s. The Bluetooth 1.0 data rates include an asymmetric
data rate (one way) of 721 kbit/s (while permitting 57.6 kbit/s
in the return direction); and a symmetric data rate of 432.6
kbit/s. Bluetooth 2.0 has been designed to be backward compatible
with existing Bluetooth devices, and will offer data transmission
rates up to 12 Mbps.
2. What are the basic Bluetooth range specs?
There are three classes of Bluetooth devices: Class 1, 2,
and 3. The class specifies the transmit power of the device
which affects the range (higher transmit power allows greater
range). The Motorola V710 is a Bluetooth Class 2 device.
BlueTooth
Security Warning...
"BlueSnarfing", and "BlueJacking" are
both threats to BlueTooth phone users. In
both cases, other people can gain access to your phone and
send messages, ow worse. There are even reports of viruses
being spread via Bluetooth. Dr Wireless highly recommends
pairing your BlueTooth devices then changing the BlueTooth
profile to hidden. This will not effect using your pre-paired
BlueTooth devices. It will effectiviely hide your phone from
any one trying to gain access via BlueTooth though.
Why your carrier does not want you to know
about BlueTooth
If
you haven't heard about BlueTooth technology, you are not
alone. I find it astounding that such a convenient wireless
connectivity solution like BlueTooth has not gone mainstream
by now. The only possible reason...Profitability! This technology
is FREE. Unlike 802.11 (WiFi), this service works without
any special internet services or additional feature add-ons
needed. With BlueTooth, it is possible to send pictures, text
messages, or files for FREE as long as both devices are within
a 30' radius. Of course, if you do subscribe to your carrier's
data services, it is even possible to utilize your BlueTooth
phone as a wireless dial-up connection for your laptop.
Dr
Wireless has modem scripts that will enable your BlueTooth
phone to serve as a wireless dial-up modem for your Laptop.
This solution also works with Mac OS 10.2 or later PowerBooks.
While there are many brand name manufacturers
of BlueTooth products, Dr Wireless exclusively endorses the
BlueAnt brand. Superior quality, innovative designs and a
remarkable 2 year replacement warranty are what makes BlueAnt
the clear choice for our wireless connoisseurs.
