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Bluetooth is a low-power-consumption wireless technology that lets a variety
of devices, such as digital cameras, notebook PCs, mobile devices, audio
equipment and printers, connect to each other without the need for cables.
When you wirelessly connect two or more Bluetooth-enabled devices together, a
secure personal area network (PAN) is created using short-range wireless
technology, making wireless communications fast, simple and safe.
Figure 1: Many types of mobile devices have built-in Bluetooth.
Today, as the popularity and demand for mobile devices and cable-free
connections grow, the need to make all of these technologies harmoniously
communicate and work together is vitally important. Bluetooth's automatic and
wireless capabilities satisfy many of our connectivity needs.
The difference between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both wireless technologies, but they serve different
purposes in wireless networking and have different strengths and limitations.
Compared to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi:
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Has a stronger signal.
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Covers greater distances.
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Provides higher throughput (i.e., can handle larger amounts of data)
These enhanced capabilities make Wi-Fi an excellent complement to, or
replacement for, wired local area networks (LANs).
On the other hand, Bluetooth is perfect for short-range (usually 30 feet)
wireless information transfer between devices like a mobile phone and a
computer. Compared to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth:
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Requires less expensive hardware.
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Is easier to configure.
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Uses less power.
Now that you understand what Bluetooth technology is and how it differs from
Wi-Fi, read on to learn about how Bluetooth technology can seamlessly be
integrated in your life, saving you time and freeing you from a mess of
wires.
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