Bluetooth Technology – Concise Notes
1. Introduction
• Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology.
• Developed by Ericsson in 1994 to replace cables.
• Operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using frequency hopping.
• Range: 10 m (Class 2), up to 100 m (Class 1).
• Used for connecting peripherals, audio, IoT devices, etc.
2. Bluetooth Architecture
• Consists of Radio Layer, Baseband Layer, and Protocol Stack.
• Radio Layer: Defines modulation (GFSK) and power classes.
• Baseband Layer: Handles links and channels.
• Link Manager Protocol (LMP): Controls connection setup and security.
• Host Controller Interface (HCI): Interface between hardware and software.
• Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol (L2CAP): Data multiplexing and segmentation.
3. Bluetooth Protocol Stack
• Core Layers: Radio, Baseband, LMP, L2CAP.
• Middleware: RFCOMM (Serial Cable Emulation), SDP (Service Discovery Protocol).
• Application Layer: Profiles for different use cases (A2DP, HFP, HID).
• Profiles: Define specific device roles and communication behavior.
4. Bluetooth Versions
• Bluetooth 1.0: Initial version, limited data rate.
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR: Enhanced Data Rate up to 3 Mbps.
• Bluetooth 3.0 + HS: High Speed with Wi-Fi support.
• Bluetooth 4.0: Introduced Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
• Bluetooth 5.0: Improved range, speed, and IoT support.
5. Bluetooth Network Topologies
• Piconet: One master and up to seven active slaves.
• Scatternet: Multiple interconnected piconets.
• Devices can switch roles between master and slave.
6. Security Features
• Authentication via PIN or key exchange.
• Encryption using 128-bit keys.
• Secure pairing introduced in Bluetooth 2.1.
• Threats: Eavesdropping, bluejacking, bluesnarfing.
7. Applications
• Wireless headphones, keyboards, mice.
• File transfer (OBEX), tethering, IoT communication.
• Automotive systems – hands-free calling.
• Healthcare – wearables and monitoring devices.
8. Advantages
• Low cost, low power, and easy setup.
• Global availability (ISM band).
• Supports both data and voice.
9. Limitations
• Short range and limited data speed.
• Interference with other 2.4 GHz devices.
• Limited device connections compared to Wi-Fi.
10. Future of Bluetooth
• Focus on IoT, mesh networking, and BLE improvements.
• Integration with 5G and AI-enabled devices.
