Bluetooth is a wireless system for connecting devices together such as computers and mobile phones when they are close to each other. It is a low-power, short-range radio technology that can connect and share data between electronic devices. Here is how Bluetooth works:
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Radio Waves: Bluetooth devices communicate using low-power radio waves on a frequency band between 2.400 GHz and 2.483.5 GHz. Bluetooth sends and receives radio waves in a band of 79 different frequencies (channels) centered on 2.45 GHz.
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Agreement: When any two devices need to communicate with each other, they have to agree on a number of points before the conversation can begin. The first point of agreement is physical: Will they talk over wires, or wireless signals? If they use wires, how many are required — one, two, eight or 25? Once the physical attributes are decided, several more questions arise.
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Bluetooth Standards: With no physical connection required, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) creates wireless technology standards for hardware manufacturers to use when they create new devices. At the time of this writing, there are two Bluetooth technology standards that developers use to keep you connected.
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Short Range: Bluetooth typically works only over short distances, of less than 30 feet, or about 9 meters. Those weaker radio waves also mean that a Bluetooth connection between two devices will stay active as long as they remain within range, without the need for a router or any other intervening device.
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Security: Bluetooth devices can be configured to accept connections only from “trusted devices,” and passwords can be used to block malicious actors.
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Antennas: Electronic gadgets that work with Bluetooth have built-in radio antennas (transmitters and receivers) so they can simultaneously send and receive wireless signals to other Bluetooth gadgets. Older gadgets can be converted to work with Bluetooth using plug-in adapters.
In summary, Bluetooth uses radio waves to transmit information between two devices directly. The radio waves used by Bluetooth are much weaker than those involved with Wi-Fi or cellular signals, two other common ways to connect devices. Bluetooth is a particularly useful technology for battery-powered devices because weaker radio waves mean that less power is being used to generate them. Bluetooth typically works only over short distances, of less than 30 feet, or about 9 meters, and devices can be configured to accept connections only from “trusted devices,” and passwords can be used to block malicious actors.
