It is the standard that defines a global wireless communication standard which enables voice and data between computers via a radio frequency link. The main objectives to be achieved with this standard are:
- Facilitate communications between mobile and fixed equipment.
- Remove cables and connectors between them.
- Allowing the possibility of setting up small wireless networks and provide data synchronization between our personal computers
Bluetooth technology including hardware, software and inter-operability requirements, so their development has been necessary to involve the leading manufacturers in the sectors of telecommunications and computing, such as Ericsson, Nokia, Toshiba, IBM, Intel and others. They have subsequently been incorporated many more companies, and is expected to soon make them also companies in sectors as diverse as industrial automation, machinery, leisure and entertainment, manufacturers of toys, appliances, etc.., So that soon we present an overview of total connectivity of our devices at home and at work.
Background
In 1994 Ericsson initiated a study to investigate the feasibility of an interface via radio, low cost and low power consumption, for interconnection between mobile phones and other accessories with the intention to eliminate cables between devices. The study was based on a larger project that investigated on a multi-communicators connected to a cellular network, until it reached a binding short-range radio, called MC link. Under this project progressed it was clear that this type of link could be widely used in many applications because it had as its main virtue which is based on a relatively inexpensive radio chip.
The GIS
In early 1997, as the project progressed MC link, Ericsson was attracting the interest of other laptop makers. Then it became clear that for the system to succeed, a large number of teams should be equipped with this technology. This was the beginning of 1998 led to the creation of a special interest group (SIG), formed by 5 promoters were: Ericsson, Nokia, Toshiba, IBM and Intel. The idea was to achieve an appropriate mix of business areas, two leaders in the telecommunications market, two market leaders in laptop PCs and a leader in the manufacture of chips. The main purpose of the consortium was and is, to establish a standard for the air interface together with its control software, in order to ensure interoperability of equipment between different manufacturers.
The air interface Bluetooth
The first target for first generation Bluetooth products were the surroundings of the business people who travel frequently. As should think about integrating the Bluetooth radio chip equipment such as: laptops, cell phones, PDAs and handsfree.
Free frequency band
To be able to operate throughout the world requires a frequency band open to any radio system on the planet regardless of where we are. Only the ISM band (international medical and scientific) of 2.45 Ghz meet this requirement, with ratings ranging from 2,400 MHz to 2,500 MHz, and only with some restrictions in countries like France, Spain and Japan.
Security
To ensure the protection of information has been defined a basic level of encryption that is included in the design of radio clip to provide security on computers that lack the capacity to process, the main security measures are:
- A question-answer routine, for authentication
- An encrypted data stream for encryption
- Generating a session key (which can be changed during the connection)
Three entities are used in security algorithms: the address of the Bluetooth unit, a public entity, a private user key as a secret organization, and a random number that is different for every single transaction.
