Internet editorial

Citation

Gohel, S. (2001), "Internet editorial", European Business Review, Vol. 13 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ebr.2001.05413aag.001

Internet editorial

Rats' nests and Bluetooth

Keywords: Wire, Cables

A wire is needed to interconnect almost every digital device whether it is a PC, laptop computer, PDA, printer, scanner or speakers. Behind most PCs there is a rats' nest of wires and cables. The problem is widespread and getting worse as new devices are developed. However, it may be a thing of the past: new technology being released early next year, called Bluetooth, will provide a solution.

"Bluetooth" is the de facto standard for wireless connectivity. In a nutshell Bluetooth will be used to replace wires. The technology will allow devices which currently require wires to interconnect to work without them. The technology is based on low cost, short-range radio links. Unlike infrared technology Bluetooth equipped devices will not require a line of sight with each other to work. Therefore, it will be possible to send your work to the printer in the next room, or communicate between your PC and your laptop while it is still in your briefcase. It will also become possible to use your laptop computer to access the Internet from any location by using your mobile phone as a modem or by using any wire-bound connection enabled with Bluetooth wireless technology (PSTN, ISDN, LAN, xDSL). Bluetooth is a technology that might make the information society work more seamlessly.

Bluetooth technology was initiated in a 1994 study undertaken by Ericsson Mobile Communications to investigate the feasibility of a low-power, low-cost radio interface between mobile phones and their accessories. The study aimed to eliminate cables linking mobile phones and PC cards, handsets and desktop devices. This study was a small part of a larger project investigating multi-communicators connected to the cellular network via cellular phones. The last connection in this network centred on the user and his/her environment and solutions focused on a short-range radio link. As the project progressed, it became clear that applications involving a short-range radio link were unlimited.

In 1998, a Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) was formed to manage the new Bluetooth wireless technology. World leading companies such as 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba worked together to develop and promote Bluetooth. The intention was to create an open specification (i.e. a global industry standard) for a short-range, cable replacement, radio technology. Since the formation of SIG, thousands of companies have signed the Bluetooth adopter agreement and joined the Bluetooth SIG.

Bluetooth enables high data speed connections at distances of up to ten metres. This can be increased to 100 metres with an amplifier. The main component is a small single chip electronic module that contains a complete low power wireless transmitter and receiver. The device uses a packet switched protocol that permits high-quality, high security, voice and data transmission at speeds up to 1Mb/s. One Bluetooth device can work simultaneously with up to seven others. And up to 80 such devices can co-exist in the same room without interference. The devices have built-in security functions, which include automatic authentication, encryption and data hopping (across 79 channels). These prevent interference, loss of signal and hacking, and ensure security and privacy.

Bluetooth wireless technology highlights:

1. 1.

   Bandwidth 1 Mbps.

2. 2.

   Channels supported:

3. 3.
   • •

     one asynchronous data channel;

   • •

     three simultaneous synchronous voice channels.

4. 4.

   Simultaneous connections up to eight devices.

5. 5.

   Range: approximately 10 meters.

6. 6.

   Radio frequency: unlicensed 2.4GHz band.

7. 7.

   Radio power output: 1mW.

Source: http://www.intel.com/mobile/bluetooth/

Bluetooth should provide a simple solution to three common problems:

1. 1.

   Data and voice access points.

2. 2.

   Cable replacement.

3. 3.

   Ad hoc networking.

Data access points

Bluetooth technology is able to facilitate real-time voice and data transmissions. This will mean users are able to connect any portable device (e.g. laptop PC and PDA) and stationary communication device (e.g. phone, PC, printer, scanner, speakers) very easily. For instance users will be able to surf the Internet and send e-mails on laptop PCs or PDAs regardless of whether they are connected through a mobile phone or through a wire bound connection (PSTN, ISDN, LAN, xDSL).

Cable replacement

The need for numerous, often proprietary, cable attachments for connecting devices will be eliminated with the use of Bluetooth technology. Connections are instant and they are maintained even when devices are not within line of sight.

Ad hoc networking

A device equipped with a Bluetooth communications component establishes instant connection to another Bluetooth enabled device as soon as it comes into range. Since each Bluetooth device supports both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections, several devices can be linked together concurrently. The Bluetooth topology is best described as a multiple piconet structure.

Mobile phones will probably become the first area for the widespread introduction of Bluetooth wireless connectivity, to eliminate the need for cables between mobile phones, headsets, laptops, PCs, peripherals and accessories. Ericsson has already developed a wireless headset for their T28 mobile phone.

In the longer term, Bluetooth interfaces will be added to a wide range of computer products and industrial equipment, as well as domestic appliances and portable consumer products.

The potential applications of the Bluetooth technology are virtually unlimited. Market researchers Cahners In-Stat Group estimate that by 2005 Bluetooth wireless technology will be a built-in feature in more than 670 million products.

Web sites

The International Electronic Commerce Research Centre has recently revised and relocated its Web pages. They are now available at www.iecrc.org.

Listed below is a selective review of Web sites that provide details about Bluetooth and reports highlighted in this paper. Dynamic links to these pages can be found at the http://www.iecrc.org/ebr13.htm

http://www.bluetooth.com

• •

  An introductory guide to Bluetooth technology and applications.

• •

  The Bluetooth Special Interest Group newsletter (The Secret of Success).

http://bluetooth.ericsson.se/bluetooth/application.asp

• •

  Introduction to Bluetooth application technologies.

http://www.intel.com/mobile/bluetooth/

• •

  Examples of how Bluetooth can bridge the gap between computing and communication technologies.

http://www.digianswer.com/bluetooth/ex_list.asp

• •

  Examples of Bluetooth use in domestic and workplace situations.

http://www.newscientist.com/nsplus/insight/phones/bluetooth.html

• •

  Review article entitled "Bluetooth stops you getting all tangled up".

Sagar GohelE-commerce Development officer for British Telecommunications PLC, working with the International Electronic Commerce Research Centre. E-mail: sagar.gohel@bt.com