• Bluetooth FAQ

    Q: What is Bluetooth?

    A: Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows electronic devices to communicate with each other via a low power radio wave.

    Q: What is the difference between Bluetooth and other wireless technologies?

    A: There are many differences, but the key ones involve range, power consumption, portability, and intended use.

    Q: What is the range of a Bluetooth device?

    A: The standard range of a Bluetooth device is 10 meters (33 feet). There are some more powerful Bluetooth devices that have a range of 100 meters.

    Q: How much power does Bluetooth consume?

    A: Bluetooth technology consumes far less power than other wireless options. This makes Bluetooth the smart choice for battery operated devices, especially devices that need to be lightweight and easily portable.

    Q: How easy is it to transport a Bluetooth network?

    A: The Bluetooth network (called a piconet) can be transported simply by moving the devices that make it up. There is no router or other networking equipment that needs to be moved. All the networking technology is contained in the devices themselves.

    Q: What uses can Bluetooth be put to?

    A: The possibilities are limitless. Bluetooth can be found in lightweight headsets that connect wirelessly to mobile phones. You can get a small, lightweight GPS that communicates with your laptop or PDA. Your mobile phone can talk to your desktop PC without wires. Commercial applications such as wireless barcode scanning, inventory tracking, point of sale devices, etc. are also a possibility.

    Q: Can I use Bluetooth to connect to a non-Bluetooth network such as Wi-Fi or a LAN?

    A: Yes. You can purchase adapters that will recognize your Bluetooth device and allow it to "plug into" a different sort of network.

    Q: Which mobile phone carriers sell Bluetooth phones?

    A: Many of them do and more are starting. Your local mobile operator will be able to tell you whether they offer Bluetooth phones at this time.

    Q: Where can I find a list of Bluetooth enabled products?

    A: The list of such products is expanding all the time. The Bluetooth web site at http://www.bluetooth.com can help you keep up to date.