What is the definition of Bluetooth, its importance and use?

Bluetooth is a wireless information technology standard. Which secures communication between various devices such as cell phones, computers, and their accessories without the need to use wires. A Bluetooth module is a small piece of a chip placed in a device that allows it to communicate wirelessly with another Bluetooth module located in another device.

It is a short-range wireless communications technology that uses radio waves to transmit information and data, such as a Wi-Fi network. However, it differs from it in that Wi-Fi networks remain in a semi-permanent state of operation and can work over a wide distance, while Bluetooth technology is more limited.

What is pairing in Bluetooth technology?

The pairing process in Bluetooth technology refers to the process of confirming the connection and establishing a secure connection between two devices preparing to exchange data and information. This process aims to protect the connection from interference or jamming attempts and ensures the encryption of data transmitted between devices.

During the pairing process, encryption keys are exchanged between the sending and receiving devices. This is done securely and relies on the availability of shared information (such as PIN codes or keys) between devices. This information can be pre-defined or users can enter it manually.

There are two main types of pairing in Bluetooth:

1. Simple Pairing: In this type, encryption keys are automatically exchanged between linked devices without user intervention. It relies on automatic detection technologies to identify nearby devices and confirm identity.
2. Numeric Comparison: This type involves displaying a digital code on the two screens of the linked devices. Users are required to confirm the displayed code to ensure they agree to the connection. The pairing process usually occurs the first time two devices are connected to each other, and pairing information is stored later to facilitate future connections between devices. This process provides an additional layer of security and protects data from spying and tampering during the transfer process.

How Bluetooth technology works in general.

• Transmission and Reception: A transmitting device (such as a smartphone or computer) sends a Bluetooth signal containing the data to be transmitted. A receiving device (such as a Bluetooth headset or printer) listens to the signal and receives the data.
• Frequency and Range: Bluetooth technology relies on radio frequency in the narrow radio band (2.4 GHz). The effective communication range between devices is typically between 10 and 100 metres, depending on the Bluetooth class and environmental conditions.
• Pairing: Before devices can exchange data, they usually need to pair. During the pairing process, an encryption key is specified that is used to secure the connection between devices.
• Protocols: Bluetooth relies on a set of protocols that define how data is organized and exchanged. Some protocols are used for voice communications (such as A2DP for wireless headsets), while others are used for data transfer (such as FTP for file transfer).
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is used for devices that need to consume low power, such as health sensors and wearables. BLE enables power-efficient wireless communications that operate effectively for long periods.
• In short, Bluetooth technology relies on sending and receiving data between paired devices via a wireless connection, while using security protocols and procedures to ensure secure data exchange.

Bluetooth technology safety

Information security is of paramount importance when establishing any wireless network. Devices easily pick up radio signals, so those sending sensitive information over a wireless network must be careful. Bluetooth technology is no different from wireless networks. It is vulnerable to spying, can be accessed remotely, and is susceptible to interception if the network is not protected, like Wi-Fi. Because of the automated communication nature of Bluetooth technology, it may be exploited by anyone who wants to send data to you without permission.

• Bluetooth technology ensures communication security in several ways, and device manufacturers determine the security model included in it. In most cases, the user can identify "trusted devices" that are capable of transferring data without permission, and when a device attempts to connect to Bluetooth the user decides whether it is allowed or not. Service-level security and device-level security work together to protect the device from unauthorized data.
• Security methods include authorization and identification procedures and require the user to specify the type of service (opening or moving files). As long as these measures are available to the user's phone and those contacting him, unauthorized data transfer is unlikely to occur. The user can simply switch the Bluetooth mode to (invisible), which will completely avoid connecting to other Bluetooth devices. If the user mainly uses Bluetooth to sync devices at home, it will be a good way to avoid hackers.
• However, opportunists have taken advantage of old cell phones to send malicious files. However, the harm of these files is limited because any Bluetooth connection requires an authorization and authentication process before accepting file transfers from an unknown device. The user's mobile device (smart device) will not be infected with the virus if he does not unlock or install it, preventing most viruses from damaging mobile devices.

Who invented Bluetooth technology?

This technology was created by a team of engineers at Ericsson, and it is attributed to the Dutch electrical engineer Jaap Hartz, who developed it in 1994 without giving it a name.

As other companies adopted this technology in their devices, Intel employee Jim Kardatz suggested the name Bluetooth after the Danish king Herald Bluetooth, who united the warring tribes of Denmark and Norway into one kingdom during the tenth century AD. He likened the way this technology works to collecting several devices through... A unified communication standard, and he got what he wanted.

Types of Bluetooth technology

Bluetooth technology includes a variety of versions that have evolved over the years through the accumulation of information and benefit from experiences, as well as to keep pace with evolving needs. Bluetooth technology updates improve communications security, increase data transfer speeds, and provide improvements in power consumption. Users benefit from improving the performance of Bluetooth-connected devices and providing better user experiences. Here are some of the major versions and important categories of Bluetooth technology:

1. Classic Bluetooth: Classic Bluetooth is the older version of Bluetooth technology, and was mainly used to transfer data between mobile phones, computers, and other devices. Covers an effective range of up to 100 meters.
2. Bluetooth 4.0, 4.1, and 4.2: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology was added in these versions, which consumes low power and is used in wearable and smart device applications. Improvements in power consumption and transfer speed.
3. Bluetooth 5.0: An increase in data transfer speed and an expansion of the coverage range to about 200 meters. An improvement in the performance of Bluetooth Low Energy technology, which increases the efficiency of energy consumption.
4. Bluetooth 5.1: Allows precise location of devices using “Direction Finding” technology. Provides support for improved communications security and an enhanced user experience.
5. Bluetooth 5.2: Offers improvements in power consumption and connection efficiency. It adds features such as high-quality sound via LE Audio and touch responsiveness improvements (Bluetooth Low Energy GATT Caching).