The Bluetooth Device...!

"Expect the Unexpected"

- This is what I would like to say to all people reading my blog. This blog is an anticipated outcome that is intended by my planned action. Yes, I've been planning to write something informative, for quite sometime. I know that it is an unusual stuff from me, but still the time has come now and sorry homes, please bear with me...

The Bluetooth Wireless technology is the latest and most widely used now-a-days. I remember, in my seventh semester(if i'm right) I had a paper called "Mobile Computing" in which , I read about this. That was very boring and vague that time, but when it comes to practical learning, it is always interesting. I purchased a Sony Ericcsson k700i mobile recently which has the bluetooth facility in it. Driven by curiosity, I started exploring it to the core and the ultimate result being..... this blog!

Bluetooth is a short-range connectivity standard, which is basically used to transfer data b/w two devices. ie., A computer and a computer(provided bluetooth is attached), a computer and a mobile and vice-versa. It does not involve in any alteration or removal of data from the devices. Bluetooth in a mobile is in-built and in pc's, you can use a Bluetooth USB Dongle (just as you use an IrDA port in case of Infra-red). It looks quite similar to a flash memory drive and it can be connected in the USB port. In case of Windows 98/2000, drivers has to be installed for it and if you are using windows xp, drivers will be automatically installed. Once your computer recognize the dongle as "Removable Disk", then the stage is set for usage.

How is it different from Infra-red???

Data transfer via infra-red is possible only if the two devices are kept in very close proximity with each other. But, the bluetooth can transfer data within a range of, say 10-15meters. Moreover, infra-red supports wide range of standards ie., if u attempt to transfer an image from one mobile to another via infrared, it may not be possible, because both infra red ports might have adopted different standards. Bluetooth adopts a universal standard and this aspect makes it successful than any other wireless technology.

To connect your mobile with your computer, "pairing" has to be done initially. From the pc, you can search for the bluetooth devices available nearby. After the search is over, your mobile's name appears on the screen(provided you turn on bluetooth in your mobile) and then you can pair it with your pc. The pc asks a four-digit number as "passcode". You can type-in any four digit number and press enter. Then, your mobile informs you that a particular pc is attempting to establish a connection. If you allow it, then ur mobile prompts you to enter the passcode. The same four-digit number has to be entered here too, which successfully connects both devices.

From now on, you can simply transfer images, sounds, movies,etc., both to and from your pc and mobile. You can explore the folders of ur mobile from the computer now and all options like cut,copy and paste are possible. For instance, you can delete a file from the "Picutres" folder of your mobile phone without even touching it! Itz all possible with the pc. This is the reason why pairing is done during the connection process, just to assure security. Now-a-days, a lot of viruses are entering the mobile phones via bluetooth. So, it is always better not to entertain any anonymous data coming in.
P.S. Turning on bluetooth reception in your mobile phone will consume a lot of power. So, don't keep it on for a long time.

Plz. unleash your comments or queries.....I'll try my level best to answer them.

Gowri Shankar
"Proud to be an Indian"