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Getting Started - What is Bluetooth?

Introduction

As you open your new Bluetooth headset, digital frame, or printer, you wonder how you can work with this new technology.

If you're new to Bluetooth technology, it may be a little intimidating, but once you understand Bluetooth, it's actually quite simple.

This getting started guide will help you through using your Bluetooth technology, understanding the terminology (using the glossary), and give you a step-by-step way to pair your Bluetooth-enabled device with another Bluetooth-enabled device.

First, let's start with the basics by answering some simple questions:

What is Bluetooth?

According to Wikipedia,

Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). It was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization.

In short, Bluetooth technology allows Bluetooth-enabled devices to connect to other Bluetooth-enabled within a short distance using short length radio waves.

Classes of Bluetooth

Currently, there are only three classes of Bluetooth. Each class have a certain range limitation.

The classes are defined below: (~ meaning "around")

Versions of Bluetooth

The first specification of Bluetooth was created in 1994 by Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson. The first implementation and version of Bluetooth technology was in May of 1998.

What is EDR?

EDR, or Enhanced Data Rate, transfers data at about 2 megabits per second. If you are looking at purchasing a new Bluetooth device, your would definitely look for this technology for your Bluetooth devices.

It's not software that you can install...it's a hardware thing. The manufacturer would already have EDR "baked into" the device.

There are three reasons you would want to use EDR:

  1. Three times the transmission speed
  2. Easier connections for various devices
  3. Lower power consumption

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is working on building a better version of Bluetooth that uses even a lower amount of power when connected. Stay tuned for that!

What is Discovery Mode?

Discovery Mode is a setting on your device that you turn on and it will emit a short radio wave for 60 seconds so a device can be discovered through other Bluetooth-enabled devices within range.

When the device is discovered by the other Bluetooth device, the pairing process will begin.

What is pairing?

Pairing is the process of connecting two Bluetooth devices together so they can communicate with each other over a short distance.

If you already have two devices paired and move outside of the Bluetooth devices range, your devices will immediately disconnect from each other

Setting up your Bluetooth devices

Although we provide a thorough walkthrough for connecting your Bluetooth devices, we can't cover every single Bluetooth gadget available.

This is a general overview of how to connect Bluetooth devices. Please refer to you manual if we don't cover the issue described here.

Bluetooth Headsets

For headsets, this involves connecting your headset to another Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a cell phone, computer, or mobile device.

  1. Place your headset (Device A) in discovery mode by holding down the call button for more than 8 seconds. Refer to your manual if this doesn't work.
  2. Use your other device (Device B) to locate Bluetooth devices within range.
  3. Once discovered, select the headset device.
  4. After selecting the headset device using Device B, it will ask for the PIN number. Refer to your handset manual, but most PIN numbers are four zeros (0000). Enter the PIN code into Device B and the PIN will be sent back to the headset (Device A) to confirm the PIN number.
  5. Once the PIN number is received on the headset (Device A), it will say that the pairing is confirmed. Your two devices are now connected through Bluetooth.

Printers

Only certain printers have Bluetooth capabilities. The printer will have a setup in the printer itself.

  1. Locate the Bluetooth section on your printer
  2. Set the PIN number so you can attach to it later.
  3. Use your other device (Device B) to locate Bluetooth devices within range.
  4. Once discovered, select your printer device.
  5. After selecting the printer device, it will ask for the PIN number. Use the PIN number from step 2 above.
  6. Enter the PIN on the calling device to confirm the PIN number.
  7. Once the PIN number is received on the printer, it will say that the pairing is confirmed. Your two devices are now connected through Bluetooth.

Keyboard

Keyboards are a different story. Make sure that you have the manual handy because each manufacturer's keyboard has a different way of connecting through Bluetooth.

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