We live in the age of connected devices. People love having the convenience of having their devices sharing data and information.
However, the traditional cable-based ways of connecting devices can be messy. Besides, cables restrict movement and are prone to damage.
That’s why Bluetooth technology is one of the most-loved connectivity methods for people looking to connect devices in their personal network.
If you want to understand how Bluetooth technology works, then this Bluetooth for beginners guide is exactly what you need. We’ll look at what Bluetooth technology is, how it works, its advantages, and a whole lot more.
So let’s get to it, shall we?
What Is Bluetooth Technology?
Bluetooth is attributed to Swedish engineer Jaap C. Haartsen, who developed it as an Ericsson employee. Ericsson is a company that specializes in digital communications. He came up with Bluetooth technology after being tasked to develop a short-range radio connection that would enable new functionalities for mobile phones.
After years of development, Bluetooth, as we know it, was finally born in 1999, as Bluetooth 1.0, and it has evolved over the years to what it is today: Bluetooth 5.
So, what exactly is Bluetooth technology?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard created to enable devices to exchange data over a short distance. For this to happen, the devices sharing the data have to be connected, commonly called pairing. Designed as a wireless communications technology, it has become indispensable, as people rely more and more on smart devices in their day-to-day lives.
If you’re curious about why it’s called Bluetooth, the answer is simple. The technology was named after King Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson, a Viking king who united Scandinavia in the 10th century. A Dane by birth, Harald conquered Sweden and Norway, bringing peace and unity in a very volatile region. King Harald had a dead tooth that was dark blue in color, hence earning him the Scandinavian nickname, Blatand. Translated to English, it means Bluetooth.
How Bluetooth Works
Of course, when looking at Bluetooth for beginners, there’s one question we must answer—how does Bluetooth technology work?
Bluetooth is a low-power, short-range radio communication technology that allows enabled devices to connect. Bluetooth technology creates a personal area network (PAN), also called a piconet. A piconet has a radius of 33 ft/10m to 330ft/100m, depending on the class of Bluetooth being used.
A Bluetooth device can pair with up to eight devices at once.
Bluetooth operates in the same 2.4GHz spectrum as other wireless technologies like Wi-Fi. Being a low-frequency technology, it uses little power, making it perfect for mobile devices, remote controls, and other devices that run on battery power.
As said earlier, for two devices to share data over a Bluetooth connection, they must first pair. This process involves the two devices sharing their names, addresses, and profiles. For the pairing to be complete, the user(s) must authenticate the process. This can be something as simple as clicking on a button or inputting a pin.
Once two devices have paired, they randomly pick a frequency channel they can use to communicate. If that channel is taken by other Bluetooth devices, they’ll randomly switch to another frequency. This is called spread-spectrum frequency hopping. When next you need to connect two paired devices in the future, it will happen automatically.
The Advantages of Bluetooth
With so many communication protocols that can be used to transfer data between two devices, what advantage does Bluetooth technology have over others?
Bluetooth technology has several advantages, including:
- Not susceptible to interference from other wireless devices
- Energy-efficient
- Easily upgradeable
- Better range than infrared communication
- Can be used for voice and data transfer
- Affordable technology; Bluetooth devices are very inexpensive
- Can connect through most obstacles
- Free to use with Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Bluetooth technology incorporated in many products; hence, most devices easily connect
- Easy to upgrade; newer versions still compatible with previous versions
As you can see, Bluetooth has many advantages that help make your life easier. It has become a technology we can’t do without.
What Is a Bluetooth Remote Control?
A Bluetooth remote control is, as the name suggests, a Bluetooth-enabled remote control. It can be used to control Bluetooth-enabled devices and devices that use infrared (IR) frequency. Like all Bluetooth devices, you’ll have to pair your Bluetooth remote control to the devices you want to control. These include smart bulbs, stereos, TVs, and any other devices that feature Bluetooth connectivity.
Bluetooth remote controls offer a lot of convenience, as you can control many different devices. If that convenience is something you’d like for yourself, then browse our catalog of remote controls and pick the one that suits you best. Alternatively, call us at 855-573-6683. We’ll be more than happy to chat about all your remote control needs.