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Discover the world of Bluetooth technology

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 Table of Contents

The Freedom of Bluetooth .......................................4

Introduction ...................................................................... 5
How does it work? ............................................................ 7
Bluetooth vs. WiFi ............................................................. 8
Bluetooth Specs and Classes......................................... 10
What can I do with Bluetooth? ........................................ 12

Connecting with Bluetooth ....................................15

Why Bluetooth? .............................................................. 15
How do I Bluetooth-enable my computer?...................... 16
What Bluetooth devices are available? ........................... 17
Software and hardware requirements ............................ 19
Can anyone connect with my Bluetooth devices? .......... 20

Bluetooth Networking ............................................23

Can I use Bluetooth to create a network? ...................... 23
Will Bluetooth interfere with other wireless devices? ...... 25

Summary .................................................................25
 The Freedom of Bluetooth
Wouldn’t it be great to quickly connect your PC to another
PC to share music, data and calendar info, without using
any wires? Or wirelessly access phone numbers on your
PDA from your cell phone? Wouldn’t talking on a phone
while driving be easier – and dramatically safer – if you
didn’t have to be distracted holding the phone or be
tethered to a wired headset?

Wouldn’t it be cool to be able to enjoy rich stereo audio

from your MP3 player or home entertainment system
wirelessly, with complete freedom to walk from den to
kitchen without interruption? Want to get rid of the yards
of cables snaking through your office but still be able to
use your computer to access the Internet, print files, sync
data with your PDA, and print photos taken from your
digital camera minutes ago, wirelessly?

With more and more cars coming equipped with

Bluetooth technology, imagine the convenience as well
as safety of conversing with family, friends and business
associates without taking your hands off the wheel. Won’t
it be nice to be able to wirelessly navigate even the most
difficult routes in foreign cities using Bluetooth and GPS
technologies?

Now you can. Bluetooth is here!

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth

Introduction
Bluetooth is a standard for a small, low-cost, power
efficient radio chip that can be used by computers,
printers, mobile phones, headsets, headphones, and
numerous other consumer electronics. This technology
allows multiple devices to communicate with each other,
or one device can control and manage several other
devices.

Background
Much in the same way that King Harald Bluetooth united
Denmark and Norway, Bluetooth was designed to unite
computers, phone equipment and many other electronics
devices. Back in 1994, Ericsson Mobile Communications
began a feasibility study on an inexpensive low-power
radio solution between cell phones and phone accessories.
Four years later, Ericsson, along with Nokia, IBM, Toshiba
and Intel formed the Bluetooth Special Interest Group
(SIG). This association represented leading companies
in mobile telephony, notebook computers and a market
leader in digital signal processing technology.

Bluetooth was positioned as “easy to use” link that would

create a personal area network. Immediately, the media
and public raised unrealistically high expectations even
before the first hardware products arrived. The technology
initially delivered more failures than successes, with
numerous bugs, complexities, and incompatibilities.

By 1999 – the year Bluetooth Spec 1.0 was introduced

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth
- 850 companies had joined the SIG. A year later, when
spec 1.1 was accepted, the Group boasted well over
1,000 members and a full 2000 companies had become
involved by Fall 2003 when Bluetooth Spec 1.2 was
announced.

Today, the Bluetooth SIG counts among its members

3,400 companies.

Instant Multi-device Network

A Bluetooth to USB Adapter such as IOGEAR’s
GBU311 or GBU211 allows any computer to become
a Bluetooth-enabled computer, and be able to send
to and receive information from a wide variety of
other Bluetooth products.

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth

How does it work?

Bluetooth takes the information normally carried by a

wire and transmits it at a special frequency to another
Bluetooth device. Both the sending and receiving devices
have what is called a Bluetooth receiver chip, which
translates data into a wireless transmission and then
back to normal again, depending on if it is sending or
receiving data.

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth

Bluetooth vs. WiFi

Perhaps pitting these two wireless technologies against
each other is unfair since both offer unique advantages
and complement rather than compete with each other.
WiFi offers a means to wirelessly connect one or more
computers to each other and to a router so they can access
the Internet. WiFi range can reach longer distances than
Bluetooth and transfers data faster as well.
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless medium but offers a
means to link not just computers, but PDAs, headphones,
headsets, printers and other technology with each other.

Bluetooth
Data Transfer Rate up to 732 kbps
Range up to 330 ft. (100 m)
Frequency Band 2.4 Ghz
Network Protocol Required No
Power Efficient Yes
Pros • Designed for quick short range network.
• Features lower power consumption
• Small protocol stack
• Robust data & voice transfer
• Low-cost
• Replacement for parallel, serial network
and audio cable
• Ideal for WPAN

Cons • Poor choice for WLAN

• Medium data transfer rate

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth
You can link your computer, printer and cell phone with each
other, so both the computer and cell phone can print without
cables. You can sync the address book on your computer
with your cell phone. Using your Bluetooth headset, you can
wirelessly communicate with friends using SKYPE, Vonage
or other Voice over IP (VOIP) phone system.

A computer can use both Bluetooth and WiFi simultaneously.

A wireless WiFi connection can connection the computer
to the Internet access point, while Bluetooth adapter can
allow the computer to print wirelessly and well as “speak’
with other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as a headset,
PDA, etc.
802.11b Wired LAN
up to 11 mbps up to 11 Mbps
up to 330 ft (100 m) N/A
2.4 Ghz N/A
Yes Yes
No No
• Designed for infrequent mobility • Extremely high data rate
• IP-based data transmission • Range is limited by
• Medium range cables
• High data rate • Perfect choice for LAN
• Ideal choice for WLAN

• Expensive Wired cable solution

• Power-hungry
• Only for network cable replacement

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth

Bluetooth Specs and Classes

Since its introduction in 1994, the specifications for
Bluetooth have continuously improved.

Bluetooth 1.0 and 1.0B

The original Bluetooth specifications had numerous
problems and the various manufacturers had great dif-
ficulties in making their products interoperable. Because
of the way Bluetooth devices had to communicate with
each other, anonymity was impossiblel

Bluetooth 1.1
In version 1.1 added support for non-encrypted channels
was added

Bluetooth 1.2
This version is backwards compatible with 1.1. Major
enhancements include:
• Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH), which improves
resistance to radio interference by avoiding the use
of crowded frequencies
• Higher transmission speeds

Bluetooth 2.0
This version is backwards compatible with 1.x. The main
enhancement is the introduction of Enhanced Data Rate
(EDR) of 2.1 Mbit/s.
• 3X faster transmission speed (up to 10 times in
certain cases).
• Lower power consumption
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 The Freedom of Bluetooth
Classes
Bluetooth devices are known as Class 1, Class 2 or
Class 3.

Class Range Power Applications

consumption

1 Up to 330 ft Greater Typically used by

(100m) devices that require
extended range, such
as Bluetooth to USB
Adapters (IOGEAR
GBU311) and more.

2 Up to 66 ft Lesser Typically used by

(20m) devices which do not
require great range
and should conserve
notebook battery power,
such as Bluetooth
MiniMice (IOGEAR
GME225B), Bluetooth
GPS (IOGEAR
GBGPS201), Printer
Adapters (IOGEAR
GBP201), and more.

3 Up to 33ft Least Used by devices require

(10m) very short range, such
as cell phones, PDAs

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth

What can I do with Bluetooth?

Wirelessly Transfer Data
• Transfer pictures, files, e-mails, and other data
between Bluetooth devices such as desktop
computers, PDAs, cell phones, printers, notebooks,
and more
• Print files, documents and pictures from your computer
or PDA
• Use the address book on your PDA to dial phone
numbers on your cell phone
• Hot Sync a PDA or mobile phone with your computer
without plugging in wires; when you update your
calendar or contact list, all your other Bluetooth-
enabled devices will update automatically

Compute Wirelessly
• Use a Bluetooth-enabled mouse
• Print to a Bluetooth-enabled printer
• Network to other local Bluetooth-enabled computers

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth
Enjoy Entertainment Wirelessly
• Plug a Bluetooth audio adapter into your stereo or
MP3 player and enjoy high-quality wireless stereo
sound on Bluetooth headphones

Wirelessly Converse with Family, Friends and Work

Associates
• In the home or office, converse locally and long
distance using your Bluetooth-enabled headset,
computer and Voice Over IP (VOIP)
• In the car, keep your hands on the wheel and eyes
on the road using a Bluetooth
headset and Bluetooth cell
phone

Wirelessly Navigate with your GPS

• Get highly-detailed map data
with the latest traffic data on
your Bluetooth GPS system

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 The Freedom of Bluetooth
Wirelessly Send & Receive Messages
• Use your notebook or PDA to discreetly share
thoughts and ideas during meetings with other
attendees using Bluetooth-enabled computers

Wirelessly Connect with and Share the Internet

• Connect your computer to the Internet wherever
you are using your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone as
a modem
• Share a dial-up or broadband Internet connection
among computers without the need for a router or
networking

Live and Travel Wirelessly

• Reduce the messy clutter of wires on your desk
• Eliminate the concern of remembering to pack the
right wires when traveling
• Compose e-mail messages while in flight and have
your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone send them as
soon as you land
• Abandon clumsy notebook touchpads and use your
Bluetooth-enabled wireless MiniMouse

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 Connecting with Bluetooth
Why Bluetooth?

Bluetooth was designed for consumers and small office/

home office users as an easy-to-use, inexpensive way to
transmit data without wires.

Bluetooth uses minimal electricity so it may extend

the life of battery-powered devices such as notebook
computers

• Built-in encryption and authentication assure safe,

secure wireless communication
• Bluetooth is perfectly suited for computers, mice,
phones, pens, laptops, PDAs, cameras and any small
battery-powered device
• Government actions are beginning to make hands-
free solutions mandatory while driving
– Driver distraction is contributing cause to 20-30%
of motor vehicle crashes
– Around the world, more than 25 countries have
enacted laws to restrict use of mobile phones in
vehicles

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 Connecting with Bluetooth

How do I Bluetooth-enable my computer?

A Bluetooth USB adapter can easily enable your

computer with wireless Bluetooth capabilities. Simply
plug the adapter into your computer’s USB port, install
self-running software, and you’re ready to go wireless!

• Surf the Internet or send e-mails by connecting to a

Bluetooth phone or access point
• Share a dial-up or broadband Internet connection
with other computers or devices, without the need for
a router or Ethernet networking
• Hot Sync data with other Bluetooth devices
• Using Bluetooth headset to make phone calls through
Internet (Skype)
• Using Bluetooth stereo headset to enjoy the digital
music stored in your computer or downloaded from
Internet
• Using Bluetooth mouse
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Connecting with Bluetooth

What Bluetooth devices are available?

Mobile Phones Bluetooth phones can connect a

computer or PDA to the Internet.
Send e-mails or surf the web; or
synchronize phone numbers and
print pictures to a Bluetooth printer.

Headsets Make a call on your Bluetooth

headset while your mobile phone is
in your pocket, purse or briefcase!
Never again will you have to fight a
tangled wire while trying to answer
your phone. Ideal for use in your car
or for making VOIP calls from your
Bluetooth-enabled computer.

Stereo Enjoy full stereo audio without being

Headphones tethered to your stereo or MP3
player! Bluetooth headphones deliver
complete freedom from wires, so
you’re free to move around without
risk of entanglements. With IOGEAR’s
GBMH201 Bluetooth headphones,
you can even control the volume and
skip from track to track, and, since it
comes with a detachable microphone,
comfortably make calls from your
Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.
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 Connecting with Bluetooth
Audio Adapters Bluetooth Audio Adapters like
IOGEAR’s GBMA201 let you
Bluetooth-enable all your music and
audio devices including mp3 players,
computers, home stereos, TV sets,
and more.

Printers/Printer A Bluetooth-enabled printer is a

Adapter great way to get rid of some messy
cables in your office, and gives you
the freedom to position your printer
across the room or across the
hallway.

Keyboards Using a Bluetooth keyboard and

and Mice mouse offers the freedom of
wireless connectivity. No more
worries about positioning your
computer within range of your
keyboard or mouse cables!

GPS The Bluetooth GPS receiver allows

you to receive positioning data from
satellites and deliver the data to
mobile computing devices wirelessly
via Bluetooth.

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 Connecting with Bluetooth

Software and hardware requirements

To Bluetooth-enable a computer, the following are

required:
• One Bluetooth USB Adapter such as IOGEAR’s
GBU311 and GBU211
• One available USB port
• One CD-ROM Drive
• For PC: Windows 2000/XP
• For Mac: Mac OS X (10.3.9) or better

We invite you to keep up to date on the latest IOGEAR

Bluetooth communication innovations at
www.iogear.com

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 Connecting with Bluetooth

Can anyone connect with my Bluetooth devices?

You can easily connect with your friends’ and colleagues’

Bluetooth devices to share information, pictures, Internet
access, and a wide range of other uses. However,
Bluetooth features three types of built-in security to
prevent unwanted connections with your equipment:
Pairing, Encryption, and Pass Key Protection

Bluetooth Built-in Security:

- Pairing
- Encryption
- Pass Key

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Pairing
This function enables Bluetooth devices to remain
permanently linked to each other. Even if a “paired”
Bluetooth device is turned off, or just out of range, it will
be visible to the Bluetooth devices it has been paired
with when it is powered on again or comes within range.
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 Connecting with Bluetooth
Encryption
Bluetooth features 128-bit security encryption to make
sure that no other devices can receive transmissions
that you send.

Pass Key
This is a unique, case-sensitive password that is set
by the user and is required in order to access and
communicate with the Bluetooth device. The Pass Key is
continually incorporated into the 128-bit Encryption; also
it reinforces pairing by only allowing devices to pair if the
password matches.

Bluetooth on the Road

As noted earlier, nowhere is Bluetooth more at home
as on the road. By eliminating wires, Bluetooth allows
drivers to converse telephonically without jeopardizing
safety. Voice operated Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and
Bluetooth headsets were quite literally made for each
other, and give drivers complete freedom to get to their
destination safely while staying in touch.

Car manufacturers from BMW to Chrysler to Toyota

equip their cars with Bluetooth technology as standard
equipment. With a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone,
drivers can place and answer calls as well as browse
and select phone book contacts simply by using buttons
often found on steering wheels and keys on their radios.
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 Connecting with Bluetooth
On some vehicles, it’s even possible to activate these
functions using voice commands that interface with
the vehicle itself. Just say, “Phone home,” and you’ll be
connected in moments, without having to lift a finger off
the wheel.

Getting lost while driving is becoming a thing of the past with

Bluetooth GPS systems such as IOGEAR’s GBGPS201.
This palm-sized device wirelessly communicates with
GPS satellites and Bluetooth-enabled PDAs, notebook
computer, or car-mounted PCs that are gaining in
popularity. Guidance information is transmitted from the
satellites to the GPS and wirelessly from the GPS to the
PDA/notebook/dashboard-mounted PC monitor. These
GPS systems can be carried from one vehicle to another,
including rental cars, ending frustration and optimizing
business travel.

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 Bluetooth Networking
Can I use Bluetooth to create a network?

All that is needed to connect to a network is a Bluetooth

enabling device, such as IOGEAR’s Bluetooth to USB
Adapter.

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 Bluetooth Networking
As many as eight Bluetooth devices can be connected at
once! For example, you can have a couple of Bluetooth-
enabled computers, a mobile phone, a video camera, a
printer, a PDA, and a Bluetooth access point all working
together to share an Internet connection, synchronize
address books and calendars, share a printer, and
perform various other functions.

If there are more than eight Bluetooth devices in the same

area, only eight of them can be linked together via pairing
to communicate at the same time. Any other devices will
not interfere with the Bluetooth network.

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 Bluetooth Networking
Will Bluetooth interfere with other wireless
devices?

Bluetooth™ operates at the 2.4 GHz range. While wireless

Ethernet 802.11 and some cordless phones do share the
2.4 GHz band range, Bluetooth is designed to operate
in a noisy-frequency environment; moreover, by using
constant frequency hopping, any possible interference
would be minimal and intermittent.

Summary

Bluetooth offers a very affordable, high-speed, secure,

simple and dependable way to communicate and share
data wirelessly. Today Bluetooth technology spans the
technology, automotive, medical, gaming, entertainment,
communications and other industries worldwide.

That’s why companies including Lexus, Texas Instruments,

Apple, Hewlett Packard, BMW, Sony Ericsson, Chrysler,
Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Toshiba, and hundreds of
other developers are introducing more and more new
Bluetooth-enabled products that incorporate this new
proven standard in communications.

For further information about Bluetooth technology please

come to:
www.iogear.com/btinfo

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www.iogear.com
23 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618 • P: 949.453.8782 • F: 949.453.8785