Some side effects of FHSS on Bluetooth networks distributed algorithms

We present, in this paper, two case studies showing the substantial impact of some features in the Bluetooth specifications on Bluetooth networks distributed algorithms. These features were often neglected in previous research studies, and are related to the Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technique used in Bluetooth. The first case study shows that some small changes in the specifications of Bluetooth can have a substantial positive impact static Bluetooth Scatternet Formation (BSF) algorithms but not the dynamic BSF algorithms. The second case shows that a small change in the implementation of the Bluetooth specifications can have a substantial negative impact on static BSF algorithms. This study calls for more research on the side-effects of using the FHSS technique in Bluetooth and calls for more publishing of similar results to help to understand more distributed algorithms running over Bluetooth networks.