Advantages and Disadvantages of Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is designed and developed to transfer data and information between electronic devices. This Bluetooth can transfer data within a range ranging from 10 meters to 50 meters. Therefore, as this is a wireless technology, they do not need cables and wires for communication between two or more devices. The Bluetooth device is a must in mobile devices which is used for sharing and transferring data and information like audio, video, files, documents, pictures, etc.

Bluetooth is used in Mobile phones, MP3 players, printers, digital cameras, laptops, personal computers, tablets, home music systems, etc. There is a limitation on the devices which can connect to Bluetooth, and the limit cannot be exceeded than 7 devices.

Due to some of the silent features, they have become very popular these days and easily replaced old data and wireless communications methods. Bluetooth technology is constantly working on its data security; therefore, before data exchange and transfer, it asks for a PIN, which must be entered before pairing between two devices.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology built to safely work with 2.4 GHz networks for data transfer between devices. The first version of Bluetooth was named 1.0. Later new version was launched with better connectivity and performance like 4.0 and 5.0.

Interesting Facts

• Jim Kardach, an Intel employee and one of the Bluetooth SIG's founding members, suggested the name "Bluetooth" in 1997. The Long Ships, a historical novel by Frans G. Bengtsson about Vikings and the Danish king Harald Bluetooth in the tenth century served as the inspiration for the name during a conversation with Sven Mattisson, who discussed Scandinavian history through stories from it. Jim proposed Bluetooth as the codename for the short-range wireless program known as Bluetooth after finding a picture of Harald Bluetooth's runestone in the book A History of the Vikings by Gwyn Jones.
• In 1999, the first Bluetooth gadget was introduced. The "Best of show Technology Award" at COMDEX went to a hands-free mobile headset. The Ericsson T36 was the first Bluetooth mobile phone, but the T39 model, which had been updated, was the one that actually hit store shelves in 2001. Parallel to this, IBM unveiled the IBM ThinkPad A30 in October 2001, the first laptop with built-in Bluetooth.
• Bluetooth operates in the 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz radio frequency spectrum, which is non-ionizing radiation and has a similar bandwidth to that of wireless and mobile phones. Wireless transmission is on the IARC's list of potential carcinogens, but no specific harm has been shown to exist. For class 1, class 2, and class 3 devices, a Bluetooth radio's maximum output power is 100 mW, 2.5 mW, and one mW, respectively. Even class 1's maximum power output is less than the lowest-powered mobile phones. GSM1800/1900 produces 1000 mW, GSM850/900 produces 2000 mW, and UMTS and W-CDMA each produce 250 mW.

Devices for Bluetooth Use

• Bluetooth headsets
• Stereo headset
• In-car Bluetooth headset
• Bluetooth GPS device
• Laptops
• Personal Computer
• Modern Bluetooth Enabled Printers
• Latest Bluetooth Enabled Webcams
• Keyboards
• Mouse
• Mobile Phones
• Games Console.
• Digital Cameras
• MP3 Players.
• Tablets.
• Music Systems.

Applications of Bluetooth Technology

Bluetooth technology is used in the majority of modern devices for better communication and data sharing.

• They are used in data transfer like images, videos, audio, and information from one Bluetooth enable device to another.
• They are built in modern devices like laptops, mobile phones, printers and digital cameras.
• For better communication, they also have built-in mice, keyboards, and speakers.
• They are also used in security-enabled devices like CCTV cameras and car systems.
• They are wireless technology; therefore, communications are done without the use of wires and cables.
• They can connect to other devices without obstacles. Consequently, they can be used in small offices for data exchange.

Advantages of Bluetooth

• Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is not dependent on wires, cables, and codes. This is considered a key advantage of Bluetooth. It consumes low power and energy.
• It can be connected through walls also with any obstacles.
• The connections between the devices are fast and easy.
• The data range is far better than infrared devices and communications.
• They are readily available in the market.
• Bluetooth can easily be updated.
• Bluetooth does not face interoperability issues.
• They can transfer audio, text, videos, picture and all media using Bluetooth.
• Modern Bluetooth uses FHSS {Frequency-hopping spread spectrum} technology for secure data transfer.
• They are relatively cheaper than their counterparts.
• They are used in cars, music systems, headphones, mobile phones, laptops and desktops.
• The majority of the devices come with built-in Bluetooth for convenience, easy to use and access.
• They are very compatible with other devices.
• In the majority of the cases, they can be connected very easily without any additional hardware.
• They are very efficient in their performance.
• They avoid connection interference between other devices.
• They are plug and play devices, i.e. not software installation needed for connectivity.
• Bluetooth is quite a versatile device.
• They can be used in LAN {Local Area Networks}.
• They are compact in size and shape.
• The majority of the additional or external Bluetooth devices are connected with the help of USB {Universal Serial Bus}, which makes them easy to use and secure.
• They are accepted and used globally.

Disadvantages of Bluetooth

• They are slower compared to other wireless technology like WI-FI and LAN with optic fibre.
• They have a small data range of up to 50 meters.
• They still have some security issues while data is transferring.
• They have lower bandwidth.
• Home RF Technology also works with its frequency; therefore can sometimes cause misconfigurations and interference.
• To transfer a massive amount of data, it is highly advised to use another source of communication and technology.
• It has been observed that Bluetooth can sometimes lose its connection.
• Limited devices can be connected to Bluetooth.
• Due to some security issues, it can be hacked.
• Connectivity issues can occur between two versions of Bluetooth devices.
• Health Concerns are also associated with its high range of radioactive emission.