The online encyclopedia Wikipedia, that has left Encyclopaedia Britannica (the ultimate reference source in my days of learning) collecting dust on the shelves, provides this concise description of Bluetooth. It is not a rotting tooth in your mouth so read on without alarm.

“Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security. Created by telecoms vendor Ericsson in 1994,[1] it was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronisation.

“Bluetooth is a standard wire-replacement communications protocol primarily designed for low power consumption, with a short range (power-class-dependent, but effective ranges vary in practice; see table below) based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each device. Because the devices use a radio (broadcast) communications system, they do not have to be in visual line of sight of each other, however a wireless path [having some characteristics of an optical system] must be viable.

“To use Bluetooth wireless technology, a device has to be able to interpret certain Bluetooth profiles, which are definitions of possible applications and specify general behaviours that Bluetooth enabled devices use to communicate with other Bluetooth devices. These profiles include settings to parameterise and to control the communication from start. Adherence to profiles saves the time for transmitting the parametres anew before the bi-directional link becomes effective. There are a wide range of Bluetooth profiles that describe many different types of applications or use cases for devices.”

The most popular application of using Bluetooth technology is wireless  control and communication between a mobile phone and a handsfree headset.

There are many benefits and advantages to using wireless devices. Along with improving safety as a result of eliminating wires you don’t need, wireless also offers you plenty of other advantages. When travelling with your laptop or other wireless devices, you’ll no longer have to worry about bringing connection cables.

Bluetooth is actually inexpensive. The technology of Bluetooth is cheap for companies to implement, which results in lower costs for the company. These savings are then passed (or should be) from the company on to you.

Bluetooth is automatic. It doesn’t have you set up a connection or push any buttons. When two or more devices enter a range of up to 30 feet of each other, they will automatically begin to communicate without you having to do anything.

Bluetooth is standardised wireless, meaning that a high level of compatibility among devices is guaranteed. Bluetooth will connect devices to each other, even if they aren’t the same model.

Bluetooth devices almost always avoid interference from other wireless devices. Bluetooth uses a technique known as frequency hopping, and also low power wireless signals. As a result of Bluetooth using low power signals, the technology requires very little energy and will use less battery or electrical power as a result. This is an excellent benefit for mobile devices, as Bluetooth won’t drain the battery.

The standard for Bluetooth allows compatible devices to share data and voice communications. This is great for mobile phones and headsets, as Bluetooth simplifies driving and talking on your cell phone.

Bluetooth is an instant PAN (Personal Area Network). You can connect up to seven Bluetooth devices to each other within a range of up to 30 feet, forming a piconet or PAN. For a single room, you can also set up multiple piconets.

Upgradeable is the standard for Bluetooth. There are newer versions of Bluetooth now that offer many new advantages and backward compatible with the older versions.

Bluetooth technology is a world wide, universal wireless standard. With it being as popular as it is, you can count on it being around for years to come. As more and more devices start to use Bluetooth technology, more manufacturers will be eager to make their products compatible. A chain reaction will occur, making Bluetooth the standard for cutting edge wireless.