Bluetooth technology proves the power of connection. Over 3.6 billion devices ship every year using Bluetooth to connect. To phones, to tablets, to PCs, or to each other.
And Bluetooth enables many ways to connect. After first showing the power of simple point-to-point connections, Bluetooth is now powering the global beacon revolution through broadcast connections, and accelerating new markets, like smart buildings, through mesh connections.
Radio Versions
The right radio, for the right job.
Operating in the 2.4GHz unlicensed industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) frequency band, Bluetooth technology supports multiple radio options that enable developers to build products meeting the unique connectivity requirements of their market.
Whether a product that streams high quality audio between a smartphone and speaker, transfers data between a tablet and medical device, or sends messages between thousands of nodes in a building automation solution, the Bluetooth Low Energy and Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate radios are designed to meet the unique needs of developers worldwide.
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)
The Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio is designed for very low power operation, and is optimized for data transfer solutions. To enable reliable operation in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, it leverages a robust Adaptive Frequency Hopping approach that transmits data over 40 channels. The Bluetooth LE radio provides developers a tremendous amount of flexibility, including multiple PHY options that support data rates from 125 Kb/s to 2 Mb/s, as well as multiple power levels, from 1mW to 100 mW. It also supports security options up to government grade, as well as multiple network topologies, including point-to-point, broadcast, and mesh.
Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR)
The Bluetooth BR/EDR radio is designed for low power operation and is optimized for data streaming applications such as wireless audio. It too leverages a robust Adaptive Frequency Hopping approach, transmitting data over 79 channels. The Bluetooth BR/EDR radio includes multiple PHY options that support data rates from 1 Mb/s to 3 Mb/s, and supports multiple power levels, from 1mW to 100 mW. It supports multiple security options and a point-to-point network topology.
Topology Options
Devices need multiple ways to connect.
To best meet the wireless connectivity needs of a diverse developer population, Bluetooth technology supports multiple topology options.
From simple point-to-point connections for streaming audio between a smartphone and speaker, to broadcast connections for supporting a way finding service in an airport, to mesh connections for supporting large scale building automation, Bluetooth supports the topology options needed to meet the unique needs of developers worldwide.
POINT-TO-POINT
Point-to-Point (P2P) with Bluetooth BR/EDR
The P2P topology available on Bluetooth® Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR) is used for establishing 1:1 device communications, and is optimized for audio streaming, making it ideal for wireless speakers, headsets and hands-free in-car systems.
Wireless Bluetooth headsets
Bluetooth headsets are a must-have accessory for mobile phones. New high-performing solutions allow you to make and receive calls in the office or on the go while also providing options for a premium music experience.
Wireless Bluetooth speakers
Whether it’s a high-fidelity entertainment system in the home or a portable option for the beach or park, there’s a speaker of every imaginable shape and size to meet your specific need. Even if that happens to be in the pool.
In-car systems
A mainstay in the automotive market, Bluetooth technology is in more than 90% of new cars sold today. Bluetooth wireless accessibility can improve driver safety and enhance the in-car entertainment experience.
Point-to-Point (P2P) with Bluetooth LE
The P2P topology available on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) is used for establishing 1:1 device communications, is optimized for data transfers, and is ideal for connected device products such as fitness trackers and health monitors.
Sports & fitness
Bluetooth LE provides data transfers with low power consumption, making it possible to equip all types of sports and fitness equipment with wireless connectivity. Today, Bluetooth solutions span from basic fitness tracking to sophisticated devices that help fine tune the performance of professional athletes.
Health & wellness
From toothbrushes and blood pressure monitors to portable ultrasound and x-ray imaging systems, Bluetooth technology helps people track and improve their overall wellbeing while making it easier for healthcare professionals to provide quality care.
PC peripherals & accessories
A driving force behind Bluetooth is freeing you from wires. From laptops to smartphones, the devices you interface with each day rapidly evolve. Whether it’s a keyboard, trackpad, or mouse, thanks to Bluetooth, you no longer need wires to stay connected.
BROADCAST
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) enables short-burst wireless connections and uses multiple network topologies, including a broadcast topology for one-to-many (1:m) device communications. The Bluetooth LE broadcast topology supports localized information sharing and is well suited for beacon solutions, such point-of-interest (PoI) information and item and way-finding services.
Point-of-interest beacons
The beacon revolution is upon us. Retailers adopted localized point-of-interest (PoI) beacons early, but smart cities are now discovering many ways beacons can improve the quality of life for citizens and tourists. The applications within museums, tourism, education and transportation are endless.
Item-finding beacons
Ever lose your keys, purse or wallet? Bluetooth beacons power the rapidly growing item-tracking and finding market. Inexpensive item-tracking solutions help you locate almost any possession. Many of these solutions also provide sophisticated cloud-based tracking networks and services.
Way-finding beacons
Trouble finding your way through crowded airports, campuses or stadiums? A network of beacons with way-finding services can help you reach a desired gate, platform, classroom, seat or eatery. All via an app on your mobile device.
MESH
Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) supports a mesh topology for establishing many-to-many (m:m) device communications. The mesh capability is optimized for creating large-scale device networks and is ideally suited for building automation, sensor network and asset tracking solutions. Only Bluetooth mesh networking brings the proven, global interoperability and mature, trusted ecosystem associated with Bluetooth technology to the creation of industrial-grade device networks.
Building automation
New control and automation systems, from lighting to heating/cooling to security, are making homes and offices a lot smarter. Bluetooth mesh networking supports these smart buildings, enabling tens, hundreds or even thousands of wireless devices to reliably and securely communicate with each other.
Wireless sensor networks
The wireless sensor network (WSN) market is growing fast. Especially in industrial WSNs (IWSN) where many companies are making significant cost and efficiency improvements to existing WSNs. Bluetooth mesh networking is designed to meet the strict reliability, scalability and security requirements of IWSNs.
Asset tracking
Capable of supporting broadcast topology, Bluetooth LE became an attractive alternative for asset tracking over active RFID. The addition of mesh networking lifted Bluetooth LE range limitations and established the adoption of Bluetooth asset tracking solutions for use in larger and more complex building environments.
Original Link: https://www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth-technology
