Protocol for plug and play in Bluetooth based home networks

Home networks, interlinking devices like fridges, air conditioners, home theatres, security devices, lighting systems are about to realize the concept of a smart home. Among the competing technologies, Bluetooth, with its low cost, low power consumption and its easily configurable devices has emerged as one of the most suitable wireless standard for home networks. In order to find a large market for any automated home system, it must be user friendly, since most consumers are non-technical users. Hence, plug and play is an important feature that must be incorporated into any home network environment. In this paper we suggest a method for data transfer, through the proposed HomeBT protocol. This protocol provides plug and play feature to appliances, in home networks using the Bluetooth technology. Further, an appliance_changed_status command and status change event have been suggested as additions in the Bluetooth HCI specifications.