Keywords

bluetooth, wirless technology, personal area network

Abstract

Look under your desk or behind your computer. See that rat’s nest of wires and cables? Almost every cable or wire that tethers us to our devices (or our devices to one another) is unnecessary. Bluetooth wireless technology promises to reduce the cabling chaos that afflicts us all. Bluetooth is a recently developed technology that uses radio frequency (RF) transceivers to provide point-to-multipoint wireless connectivity within a personal space. Bluetooth was designed for both voice and data communication at low per-unit costs while consuming little power. To achieve the cost and power goals, Bluetooth limits connectivity to a sphere of about 10 meters (more power-hungry versions can stretch the effective range up to 100 meters) while providing a maximum data rate of 723 kbps.

Original Publication Citation

Charles D. Knutson, David K. Vawdrey, Eric S. Hall. "Bluetooth: An Emerging Technology for Wireless Personal Area Networks." IEEE Potentials Magazine, October/November, 22.