User's Manual

Bluetooth Software Suite User’s Manual
57
Bonding
Bonding refers to the creation of a link key –
a bond – between two devices. Bonding is used
when a device requires link level security (see
“Security” for information on how to do so). When
a remote device attempts to connect to the device
requiring link level security, the users of both
devices will be prompted for a password. They
must then enter the same password.
The purpose of bonding is for two devices to be
able to identify each other so that no remote
device can connect without knowing the right
password. This may be convenient if for instance
you do not want any other device than your own
Bluetooth enabled phone to be able to connect to
your computer. Other devices trying to connect
will be prompted for the password, which prevents
them from interfering in the connection.
The duration of the bonding can be set to last
beyond the current link; if so, the two devices will
only be prompted for the password the first time
they connect, i.e. when creating the bond.
Both when creating the bond and when making
use of an existing one, both devices must be in
bondable mode. Below you will find information on
how to set both bonding mode and duration.
Settings concerning bonding are done in the
Bluetooth Neighborhood Properties – Bonding
dialog box. To open this:
1. On the Bluetooth menu, click Bluetooth
Neighborhood Properties.
2. Click the tab Bonding.
• In Bluetooth Bonding, you can decide
whether or not your device should be able to
bond to other devices.
The default setting is bondable mode. Both to
be able to establish a new bond and to make
use of an existing one, your device has to be
in bondable mode.