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Typically the user is then presented with details of appropriate devices that were discovered and then selects one to connect to.īluetooth peripherals (e.g., an activity tracker and a smartwatch) that are connected to the same central device (e.g., a smartphone) form a personal-area network (PAN) or piconet that may fill an entire building or may encompass a distance no more than that between the smartphone in your pocket and the watch on your wrist. Usually scanning only happens when the user triggers it by say, pressing a button in a smartphone application. Another suitable device will find the advertising device by scanning (listening) for advertising packets and selecting those which are from appropriate devices. Advertising packets contain useful information about the advertising device. A Bluetooth LE device which wants to be discovered broadcasts special messages (known as packets) in a process called advertising. Devices may also be paired to form a trusted relationship between them but not all types of product require this. Each of the two types of Bluetooth technology has its particular strengths and manufacturers adopt the version that best fits the needs of their product.īluetooth LE works differently.
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The classic Bluetooth technology can deliver a slightly higher data rate than Bluetooth LE (3 Mbs compared to either 1Mbs or 2 Mbs) but can only be used for communication directly between two devices using point-to-point connections. It needs much less energy to operate and can also be used for broadcast or mesh networks in addition to allowing communication over point-to-point connections between two devices.
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Both operate using the same frequency band, but Bluetooth LE is the more popular option, by far. There are two types of Bluetooth technology as of 2020: Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and Bluetooth Classic (more formally known as Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate, or BR/EDR).
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Making sure that Bluetooth devices and other wireless communications technologies don't interfere with one another is essential. Many devices that you may already use take advantage of this same radio-frequency band, including baby monitors, garage-door openers and the newest generation of cordless phones.
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