Bluetooth Access Point

It's fun to think about all the things that Bluetooth devices can do when paired with each other in their own piconet. But there's life outside the piconet. There's Wi-Fi and ISDN and ethernet LANs, etc. etc. Bluetooth access points provide a bridge to get your Bluetooth device talking to these other networks.

A Bluetooth access point can take any number of forms. It can be as simple as a single-line device that plugs directly into the phone socket and gives you dial-up access to the Internet. Or it can be a full-fledged networking access point that can be installed outside.

Perhaps you only need access to one other computer. If the other computer were Bluetooth enabled, you'd just pair them up. But if it isn't, the solution is still simple. As long as the computer has a USB port, you can get a Bluetooth USB dongle. Put it in the USB port, pair it with your Bluetooth device, and you can communicate with the other computer just as though you had a wired USB connection.

Perhaps you need access to a Wi-Fi network to extend the range of your Bluetooth piconet. A Bluetooth access point can be connected to the router and up to seven Bluetooth devices can be paired with it. They'll then function as part of that wireless network, just like any other device with a comparatively expensive Wi-Fi card.

A simple LAN access point can be attached to your Local Area Network in the office or at home. Suddenly, your Bluetooth laptop or mobile phone can behave as part of the office network. You can download and upload files, send and receive email, access programs, and all the rest, just as if you were wired in.

You can use Bluetooth devices to get two non-Bluetooth networks talking to each other. TCP/IP networks (such as Ethernet or cellular) can be connected to SPPs, PANs, or LAPs. A Bluetooth device can function as a PSTN or CTP-VoIP gateway.

Point of Sale systems, bar code readers, and other hand-held terminals can be easily connected to a TCP/IP or other network using Bluetooth.

If you want access to the Internet via DSL, ISDN, or broadband there are Bluetooth enabled products that can offer this to you. Rather than having a card installed in your computer or laptop, just put this device wherever it's convenient and connect to it wirelessly. Most Bluetooth products have a range of 10 meters, but the DSL and ISDN devices can be had with a range of up to 100 meters (as long as a football field and one end zone). You can pair them with up to 7 Bluetooth devices throughout the home or office. Other Bluetooth profiles supported are CIP, SPP, DUN, PAN, CTP, GAP, and SDAP.