The Bluetooth interface has now become quite widespread among various types of devices, in particular personal computers, mobile phones, tablets and others. Of course, users are not immune to a variety of problems. Most often, it is easy to understand the causes of the problems, it is enough to be familiar with the basic principles of the operation of the specified interface. "Bluetooth" - what is it? How to use it?
Technology features
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless interface that was created in 1994 by engineers at Ericsson in Sweden. In 1998, a number of companies created a special organization Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG), which now works in the development, promotion and implementation of this technology. At the moment, the number of companies that have become members of the association has exceeded 13 thousand.
The main advantage of this technology is that the Bluetooth connection does not require large resources in terms of energy consumption, and the cost of transceivers is relatively low compared to other wireless transmission technologies. All this makes it possible to use such a technical solution even in small-sized devices having miniature batteries. For the use of the described interface, equipment manufacturers are not required to pay anything to the creators of the technology. This fact played an important role in such a wide distribution of this interface in a variety of devices.
What is it for?
In brief, we examined what Bluetooth is. That this is a useful thing is already clear. And with how to use it, you still have to figure it out. The main purpose of this technology is to create personal networks that provide opportunities for the exchange of data between gadgets located nearby. This can be laptops, desktop computers, mobile and peripheral devices, as well as much more that belongs to this category.
Application
For various purposes, you can use the "Bluetooth". That this device, which allows you to connect multiple devices into a network, we have already learned. But how is the connection? In the case of two gadgets, the connection is carried out according to the point-to-point scheme, and in the case of a large number of devices, this will already be a point-to-multipoint scheme. Regardless of the circuit used, the master and slaves are allocated.
The master device sets the pattern used by all the slaves, and it also has the task of synchronizing all devices. By means of such a connection, a piconet is formed. In the framework of one such decision, the combination of one master and seven slave devices is allowed. In addition, it is possible to add several more devices to the piconet that will be slaves, but only in the status of temporarily blocked. They do not take part in the information exchange, however, they are synchronized with the presenter using the Bluetooth interface. What this is, it becomes clear if you imagine how data from one source comes to everyone else in real time. It is convenient and opens up a lot of opportunities for organizing work.
Maximum number of devices
Another level of interfacing is the integration of several piconets into a single distribution network. To do this, a device that is a slave in one piconet takes over the tasks of the master in another. In this case, the peculiarity is that piconets belonging to the same distribution network use different templates and are not synchronized with each other. A single distribution network cannot include more than 10 piconets. It turns out that through the organization of a distribution network, including Bluetooth devices, up to 71 devices can be combined in a total.
Features of data transfer
For data transmission , a radio channel in the frequency range 2.4–2.4835 GHz is used, supplemented by the pseudo-random tuning of the operating frequency. The indicated range is divided into 79 channels, for each of which a 1 MHz band is allocated. The top and bottom of the range contains unused bands that are considered protective. Data transmission is carried out using Gaussian phase modulation, which implies a change in time of the carrier frequency, respectively, with a Gaussian curve, and this significantly limits the spectrum of the emitted signal.
The Bluetooth adapter exchanges data within time intervals of 625 microseconds. The transmission of each slot ends with the transition to a new frequency channel. The link layer assumes that data is exchanged in packets, each of which is one to five slots in length. A certain part of them can be reserved for synchronous channels designed for broadcasting streaming data. It turns out that the transfer can be carried out not only by synchronous data, but also asynchronous.
In the specification of the Bluetooth device, it is possible to use two types of communication: synchronous with the establishment of the connection, as well as asynchronous, in which the connection is not established. The application of the first option is relevant when creating point-to-point channels between master and slave devices. The purpose of the second is to organize a point-to-multipoint interface between the piconet master and all slaves.
Bluetooth device classes
Three classes of transceivers are distinguished depending on the power and efficiency of the radius of the “Bluetooth” adapter. The most common option, relevant for use in most computers and mobile devices manufactured by modern industry, are second-class transceivers. Medical equipment is equipped with low-power class 3 transmitters, and the most long-range modules belonging to class 1 are used in control and monitoring systems of industrial equipment.
Customization Features
If you want to install Bluetooth on a computer, and then use it to pair with any devices, you should be guided in the features of its settings. Using this technology, you can use short-range radio waves to connect to wireless networks, as well as access peripheral devices that are compatible with the technology version: printer, mouse, mobile phone, as well as other computers and communicators.
Since we are talking about a wireless connection, that is, via radio waves, any peripheral device can be moved in space, and communication will not be lost if it does not leave the “visibility” zone. If you want to connect the Bluetooth to a computer, you should know that this is done automatically when the device falls into the range of the transmitter. It is enough only once to make all the necessary settings. In most laptop models, the transmitters are built-in initially, you only need to configure them correctly so that then everything works without interruptions.
Setting up a Bluetooth device for Windows
To carry out this operation, quite specific actions are required. First you need to make sure that this adapter is in the laptop. After that, you need to download all the necessary drivers. After activating the driver installer and launching the Add Devices Wizard, everything will be determined automatically.
When a device is discovered, it will need to be added. If the system was unable to find it, you should make sure that the device is fully charged, and power is supplied to it, that it is turned on and located in the coverage area. Information on the range of any device can be found in the accompanying documentation. After the detailed verification of the component is completed, you need to restart the Add Devices Wizard.
Problems that may arise
If you are puzzled by how to turn on the Bluetooth, you can pay attention that in the absence of the component itself on the taskbar of the laptop, the corresponding icon may be present. It must be hidden. To do this, click on the icon, and then on the "Configure" item.
When the Bluetooth devices are turned on, the display shows a list of all paired devices that are available in the operating range. Moreover, each, as already mentioned earlier, has its own range, which must be taken into account when pairing.
Features of work
All the latest models of phones, tablets and laptops receive the Bluetooth module as an obligatory component, the presence of which is confirmed by the logo icon on the screen or device case. When the connection is established, the corresponding logo will appear on the screen, and the data exchange is accompanied by an additional indication. Now manufacturers are integrating the Bluetooth device on a tablet, phone and computer.
In addition to mobile devices, this technology is applicable to desktop computers, to provide communication between mice, keyboards, digital cameras, scanners, printers, headphones and a variety of headsets. This equipment supports data exchange at a distance of up to 100 meters. Sometimes wireless support is possible even when using devices located in different rooms.
Pairing different devices
If you use "Bluetooth" for a phone or other devices when connected to a PC, you need to install a port connector on the computer that resembles an ordinary USB flash drive in form. Drivers and necessary programs are usually supplied with the equipment, but if they are not there, you can always use the official website to get the necessary applications.
If we consider the Bluetooth device for the phone, then the most interesting invention was wireless headphones using this technology. With their help, you can talk on the phone even when your hands are busy: when playing sports, driving a car, etc. If you know how to turn on Bluetooth to activate the headset, you can always free your hands while talking by phone. The device itself can be in a bag or pocket at this time.