Bluetooth - Basics, Definition & Security

Bluetooth Basics

The technology of Bluetooth wireless is a short-range communications method intended to replace the cables that connect portable or fixed devices while maintaining the highest levels of security. The key features offered by Bluetooth include low power and low cost.  The specification in Bluetooth defines a uniform structure for a wide range of devices to communicate and connect with one another.

The technology behind Bluetooth has achieved global satisfaction such as enabled devices, almost everywhere in the world.  Bluetooth devices will connect and communicate without wires through short-range and networks known as piconets.

Each device will simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet, meaning that each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously.  The piconets are dynamically established as Bluetooth enabled devices to enter and leave the proximity of radio.

A fundamental to Bluetooth strength is the ability to handle both data and voice transmissions simultaneously.  This will enable users to enjoy varieties of innovative solutions such as hands-free talking, printing and fax capabilities, and other applications.

Specifications

Unlike other standards of wireless, the Bluetooth specification gives product developers both a link layer and application layer definitions, which will help support data and voice applications.

Spectrum

The Bluetooth technology operates in the industrial and scientific band at 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, using a spread spectrum, frequency hopping signal.  

Interference

The adaptive frequency hopping of Bluetooth technology was designed to reduce interference between wireless technologies that share the 2.4 GHz spectrum.  Adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) works well within the spectrum to take full advantage of the frequency available.

AFH hopping allows for more efficient transmission within the spectrum, which provides users with greater performance even if they are using other technologies along with Bluetooth.  

Bluetooth Definition

Bluetooth is a specification for the use of low power radio communications to wireless phones, computers, and other network wireless devices over short distances.  The name Bluetooth is actually borrowed from Harald Bluetooth, a Denmark king more than 1,000 years ago.

The technology of Bluetooth was primarily designed to support simple wireless networking of devices and peripherals, which includes cell phones, PDAs, and wireless headsets.  The wireless signals that are transmitted by Bluetooth cover short distances of up to 30 feet, generally communicating less than 1 Mbps (MegaByte per second).

The networks of Bluetooth feature dynamic topology called PAN or a piconet.  The piconets contain a minimum of two and a maximum of eight peer devices.The devices will communicate using protocols that are part of the specification.  Even though the Bluetooth standard will utilize the same 2.4 GHz range as 802.11b and 802.11g, the technology isn't suitable for a Wi-Fi replacement.  When compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is much slower, limited in range, and actually supports fewer devices.

For short-range devices, Bluetooth is rapidly becoming the best.  The technology is more popular with cell phones, as Bluetooth headsets are the way to go these days.  To use Bluetooth, your cell phone will need to have it enabled, or an infrared device somewhere on the phone. Upcoming devices are utilizing Bluetooth as well, such as PS3 and the Nintendo Revolution.  The wireless controllers will be Bluetooth enabled,  which will give players the cutting edge.

If you own a cell phone or other wireless device, you should look into Bluetooth.  The technology is nothing short of spectacular, making it something that will be around for years and years to come.  As technology gets bigger and bigger, you can expect Bluetooth to advance as well.

Bluetooth Security

These days, all communication technology faces the issue of privacy and identity theft, with Bluetooth being no exception.  Almost everyone knows that email services and networks require security.  What users of Bluetooth need to realize is that Bluetooth also requires security measures as well.

The good news for Bluetooth users is that the security scares, like most scares, are normally overdramatized and blown entirely out of proportion.  The truth be told, these issues are easy to manage, with various measures already in place to provide security for Bluetooth technology.

It's true that there have been some Bluetooth phones that have been hacked into.  Most devices that are hacked into are normally those that don't have any type of security at all.

According to Bluetooth specialists, in order to hack into a Bluetooth device, the hacker must:

1.  Force two paired devices to break their connection.

2.  Steal the packets that are used to resend the pin.

3.  Decode the pin.

Of course, the hacker must also be within the range of the device and using very expensive developer type equipment.  Most specialists recommend that you have a longer pin, with 8 digits being recommended.

Fundamentals of Security

The "pairing process" is one of the most basic levels of security for Bluetooth devices.  Pairing is two or more Bluetooth devices that recognize each other by the profiles they share - in most cases, they both must enter the same pin.

The core specifications for Bluetooth use an encryption algorithm, which is completely and entirely secure.  Once the devices pair with each other, they too become entirely secure.

Until they have successfully paired, the Bluetooth devices won't communicate with each other.  Due to this pairing process and the fact that it is short-range - Bluetooth technology is considered to be secure.

As the news has indicated, experienced hackers have developed ways to get around this level of basic security.  There are ways to get around this threat, as you can install software to prevent hackers from getting in. With Bluetooth becoming more and more popular, it's really no wonder that security is always in question.  As Bluetooth gets bigger and better, security will always be something that no one really takes lightly. If you've been concerned about Bluetooth security in the past, rest assured that newer devices will offer bigger and better security.  Preventing hackers from getting in is something every owner is concerned about - and the manufacturers are very aware.