User's Manual

Q: What benefits do I gain by using Bluetooth technology?
A:
Convenience & Organization
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Eliminates cables – Offers wireless freedom to communicate with multiple devices. No need to hook up
cables to several devices as the cables are replaced by radio links.
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Organizes data - Automatically synchronizes data (with required application software) among devices
without user intervention; ensures consistent, updated data in all devices.
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Saves time - Transfers data 3 to 8 times faster than parallel and serial ports.
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Adds flexibility – The Bluetooth personal area network is portable and travels with the user and the
devices. Bluetooth devices can be used in the office, at home, and on the road.
Low Cost of Ownership
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No lost or broken cables to replace.
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No need to stock numerous cables to support various mobile phone and computing device types.
Global Wireless Solution
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Bluetooth spectrum (2.4Ghz) is available in more than 95% of countries worldwide.
Q: How secure is a Bluetooth network?
A: Bluetooth employs several layers of data encryption and user authentication measures. Bluetooth devices use
a combination of the Personal Identification Number (PIN) and a Bluetooth address to identify other Bluetooth
devices. Data encryption (128-bit) can be used to further enhance the degree of Bluetooth security. The
transmission scheme (FHSS) provides another level of security in itself. Instead of transmitting over one
frequency within the 2.4 GHz band, Bluetooth radios use a fast frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS)
technique, allowing only synchronized receivers to access the transmitted data.
Q: What is Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)?
A: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) is a spread spectrum modulation scheme that uses a
narrowband carrier that changes frequency in a pattern known to both transmitter and receiver. Properly
synchronized, they maintain a single logical channel. To an unintended receiver, FHSS appears as short-duration
impulse noise. More simply, the data is broken down into packets and transmitted to the receiver of other devices
over numerous hop frequencies (79 total) in a pseudo random pattern. Only transmitters and receivers that are
synchronized on the same hop frequency pattern will have access to the transmitted data. The transmitter
switches hop frequencies 1,600 times per second to assure a high degree of data security.
Q: What is a Piconet?
A: A Bluetooth Piconet is a network of Bluetooth devices that share the same master unit and frequency-hopping
sequence. A Piconet starts with two Bluetooth connected devices, such as a portable PC and wireless phone, and
may grow to eight (8) connected devices. Bluetooth devices must have point-to-multipoint capability to engage in
Piconet communication. When establishing a Piconet, one unit will act as a master and the other(s) as slave(s) for
the duration of the Piconet connection. Devices must be authorized by the user to participate in Piconet
communications.
Q: What is a Bluetooth
master device?
A: A Master unit is the device in a Piconet whose clock and frequency hopping sequence are used to synchronize
all other devices in the Piconet. There is one master unit per Piconet.
Q: What are Bluetooth slave devices?
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Xircom Bluetooth Adapter
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Introduction
6/22/2001
file://C:\Compliance\Manuals\R2BT\En\help\intro.htm