An overview of Bluetooth Wireless TechnologyTM and some competing LAN standards

Bluetooth Wireless Technology^TM is a low-cost cable-replacement method for connecting computer-based devices in home and small office environments. Intended as a universal, global standard, it has not developed as fast or as pervasively as initially hoped, but is having a major impact. This tutorial overview presents basic concepts of the Bluetooth standard, the transmission and modulation environments of the unlicensed ISM frequency bands, spread-spectrum communications options, link protocols, data rates, formation of ´piconets´ and security features. A review of other standards for wireless LANs is included, with some indications of implementation methods for Bluetooth Wireless Technology.