From GSM to LTE-Advanced: An Introduction to Mobile Networks and Mobile Broadband, Revised Second Edition

Chapter 6Bluetooth

Although cables are ideal for exchanging data between stationary devices that are close together, there are significant disadvantages in a mobile environment. In practice, Bluetooth connectivity has become an alternative to cables for many close-range data exchange applications and is often used alongside the cellular radio technologies that were discussed in the previous chapters.

In the first part of this chapter, an introduction to the physical properties of Bluetooth and the protocol stack is given. Afterward, relevant Bluetooth profiles and how they are used in practice in a wide range of applications and scenarios are described.

6.1 Overview and Applications

Owing to the ongoing miniaturization and integration, more and more small electronic devices are used in everyday life. Bluetooth enables these devices to wirelessly communicate with each other without a direct line-of-sight connection. Although in the last decade, there was a wide range of applications of Bluetooth, it can be observed today that its use is now mostly focused on the following applications:

• Wireless connectivity from smartphones and notebooks to remote audio devices, such as headsets, hands-free telephony equipment, Bluetooth-enabled loudspeakers and in-car entertainment systems
• Exchange of files between smartphones and notebooks (e.g., pictures taken with a smartphone camera) and quick exchange of single-address book and calendar entries
• Connecting wireless keyboards and other ...