Bluetooth: What is it?

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: June 24, 2022

Suddenly you are connected to the blue icon, isn't it great that you can do that? But how exactly does it work?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that makes it possible to connect devices over a short distance. Think of linking your phone to you headphones or connect your laptop to your printer. These connections can be made up to a distance of about 10 meters.

Let's take a look at exactly how it works and WHAT you can do with it.

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Bluetooth: What is it and what can you do with it?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that makes it possible to connect devices over a short distance. Think of connecting your phone to your headphones or connecting your laptop to your printer. These connections can be made up to a distance of about 10 meters.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5 is the latest version of bluetooth and has a number of improvements such as:

• Higher capacity
• Higher speed
• Greater range

This means your phone can quickly connect to your earbuds and you can be further away from the source without losing your music. Your smartwatch can also request information from your smartphone much faster. In addition, Bluetooth 5 supports multiple connections simultaneously, so you can, for example, listen to one device with two headphones at the same time.

Did you know?

Bluetooth is named after Harald Blauwtand, a Danish Viking who once established connections between Scandinavia and mainland Europe.

How does bluetooth actually work?

The base

Bluetooth is a wireless connection that connects different devices, such as your smartphone and laptop. Data is exchanged without the need for a USB cable or other connection. The connection is a radio connection that takes place on a bandwidth between 2,402 and 2,485 GHz. Everyone is free to use this frequency worldwide.

Safety and convenience

Bluetooth devices must be within 10 meters to exchange information. The weak signals usually have no effect on other devices operating on the same frequency. When you connect two Bluetooth devices for the first time, it is called pairing. You have to approve every new connection, which makes bluetooth relatively safe.

More than two devices

It is possible to connect more than two devices together. In the network that is created, up to 8 devices can be connected at the same time. Only one device sends out data, while all other devices receive the information.

Frequency hopping

Bluetooth uses frequency hopping. This means that the link is constantly jumping between different frequencies within its range. There are 79 frequencies from which the Bluetooth network can choose. As a result, frequencies to which other devices are connected, such as that garage door, can easily be avoided.

The end result

Bluetooth works through a radio connection. This creates a small network to which you can connect devices. You can use it effectively and the connection is relatively weak. As long as the devices stay within 10 meters of each other, they can exchange information.

How Bluetooth got its name: a glimpse into history

Bluetooth is a technology we all know and use, but how did it get its name? Let's go back to the time of the Vikings and the Danish king Harald Blåtand (Harald Bluetooth) to see how this technology got its name.

The Vikings and Harald Blåtand

Harald Blåtand was a Danish Viking leader who became the king of Denmark in the 10th century. He also later united Norway with the kingdom.

How Bluetooth got its name

To recognize the important contribution of Scandinavian countries to the world of mobile phone technology, the technology for connecting mobile phone headsets wirelessly was named after Harald Blåtand.

Why Bluetooth?

The name Bluetooth is derived from Harald Blåtand's nickname, which literally means "blue tooth". This name was chosen because the symbol for Bluetooth has two blue letters that together form a tooth.

Bluetooth: What is it and how do you use it?

Bluetooth is a technology that enables wireless connections between different devices. Whether you want to play fun songs on speakers, make calls with a car kit or headset, or do something else – Bluetooth makes it all possible!

Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablet

Turning on Bluetooth on your smartphone or tablets is a piece of cake. If you open the settings, you will probably already see the option. If you don't see the option, search for "Bluetooth" in the search bar. Once you've found the option, turn it on and you're ready to start connecting with other Bluetooth devices.

Using Bluetooth for audio

Bluetooth allows you to play audio content wirelessly on other devices. Think of speakers, laptops, amplifiers, headphones and car radios. You can play the music you have stored on your smartphone on any of these devices.

Using Bluetooth for calling

Bluetooth is also widely used for calling. When you receive a call on your smartphone, you can answer it with a connected car kit or headset. This way you no longer have to hold your smartphone to your ear.

Even more ways to use Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a versatile technology that you can use for many different purposes. For example, you can connect a wireless mouse or keyboard to your laptop, or connect your smartphone to your car to play music. There are many more ways to use Bluetooth, so sit down and see what you can do with it!

Bluetooth: What is it and how does it work?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect with each other. Whether you want to connect your phone to your laptop, connect your printer or stream your favorite music, Bluetooth makes it possible. But how exactly does it work?

Different versions of Bluetooth

There are different versions of Bluetooth. These mainly differ in the strength of the connection and the amount of information that can be exchanged at the same time. Fortunately, most devices support multiple standards, so you don't have to worry about that.

bluetooth and music

If you like music, there's good news. Devices that support the aptX standard can play music in CD quality. So if you want the best possible quality, make sure you have devices that support this standard.

Bluetooth in a nutshell

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect with each other. There are several versions of Bluetooth, which differ in the strength of the connection and the amount of information that can be exchanged at the same time. If you like music, see if you have devices that support the aptX standard, so you can play music in CD quality.

Bluetooth: the ups and downs

Bluetooth has a lot of benefits, but like any connection, there are also a few risks involved. Let's look at the ups and downs of bluetooth.

The UPS

• No cables: Your earphones, printer, mouse and keyboard don't need cables, so they can't get in the way.
• Automatic and easy: You just need to turn on bluetooth on both devices and they are already paired.
• Compatibility: Bluetooth can connect devices from all brands, so you don't need any special equipment.
• Easy to find: Bluetooth technology easily finds nearby devices.
• Multiple devices: A Bluetooth network can connect up to eight devices.
• Secure connection: Bluetooth only works over a short distance and you must approve all connections that are not already part of your network.

The downs

• Battery eater: Despite the relatively low energy consumption of Bluetooth, the problem with wireless technology is that you have to charge the devices in between.
• Health problems: Although no direct link has been found, there have been discussions for years about the link between Bluetooth radiation and health problems.
• Short range: To work reliably, your Bluetooth devices should be within about 10 meters of each other.
• Slow data transfer: Wireless technology has limits on how fast it can transfer data.
• Easy to find: Bluetooth technology easily finds nearby devices. This benefit is also a potential risk. Hackers can see which devices are nearby and attack.

Bluetooth has a lot of advantages, but you also have to consider the risks. If you're looking for a wireless connection, bluetooth is a good option, but you need to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

How secure is Bluetooth really?

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is widely used, but how secure is it really? Unfortunately, no wireless technology is 100 percent secure, and Bluetooth is no exception. There are a few ways smart criminals can compromise your Bluetooth security. Let's take a look at the three most common:

Bluejacking

Bluejacking is the first attack that Bluetooth had to deal with. This attack hijacks another Bluetooth device and sends spam messages to the hijacked device. Usually it's just an annoyance, but if the recipient falls for such a phishing attempt and clicks on a link in one of those spam messages, it can lead to bigger problems. The link often takes you to a website where your personal information is stolen or malware is installed on your device.

Bluesnarfing

Bluesnarfing is similar to Bluejacking, but even worse. Where Bluejacking only sends information to your device, Bluesnarfing also retrieves information from your device. Data such as text messages, photos, emails, and even the identifying information your device sends to your ISP can all be stolen. The hacker can use this information for a variety of purposes, none of which are good.

bluebugging

Bluebugging is a stealthy Bluetooth connection that hackers make with your phone or laptop. They then use this connection to gain backdoor access to your device. Once inside, they can spy on your activities and access sensitive information. They can even use your device to impersonate you in apps on your device, including those you use for online banking.

Bluetooth attacks can do a lot of damage, so it's important to protect your device. To do this, make sure your Bluetooth device is always off when you're not using it, and only turn it on when you really need it. You should also regularly update your device with the latest security patches so that you can take advantage of the latest security updates. Following these tips will help protect your device against Bluetooth attacks.

How secure is my bluetooth with a VPN?

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a way to increase your online security. It encrypts your data, hides your location, and secures your access to public Wi-Fi. In short, it is a good way to protect your online activities from cybercriminals, prying eyes and nosy internet providers.

Can a VPN protect my bluetooth?

While a VPN is a great way to increase your online security, it doesn't provide direct protection against Bluetooth hackers. If you want to protect your Bluetooth connection, you will have to take other measures, such as using a secure connection or setting a strong password.

Why should I use a VPN?

There are many reasons why you should use a VPN, regardless of whether your Bluetooth connection is secure or not. Here are some benefits of using a VPN:

• Data encryption: A VPN encrypts all the data you send online, allowing you to browse securely.
• Hiding location: A VPN hides your actual location, allowing you to surf anonymously.
• Secure access to public Wi-Fi: A VPN provides secure access to public Wi-Fi networks, allowing you to browse safely.

Conclusion

While a VPN won't directly protect you from Bluetooth hackers, it offers many benefits when it comes to online security. If you're looking for a way to protect your online activities, a VPN is a good option. Take a look at our review of the best VPN providers right now to see which one is right for you.

How safe is my bluetooth with antivirus software?

It is a frequently asked question: how safe is my bluetooth with antivirus software? While an antivirus is an essential part of your online security, it's not enough to stop cybercriminals. But what it can do is protect you from the malware that is often installed as part of a bluetooth hack.

What Does Antivirus Software Do?

Antivirus software scans your device for malware and other threats. If it detects a threat, it will remove or block it. It can also help secure your personal information and reduce the chances of identity theft.

Which antivirus software do we recommend?

If you are looking for an antivirus that can protect your bluetooth device, we recommend Norton 360. Norton offers a variety of plans with different levels of protection. The software is also very easy to install and use. Kaspersky is also a good option for protecting against malware that bluetooth hackers can infect your device with.

Conclusion

In short, if you follow the right steps, bluetooth is a great way to make a fast connection. BUT, remember to turn off your bluetooth when you're not using it, keep your operating systems up to date, and be careful who and what you pair.

Then you can enjoy all the convenience that Bluetooth offers, without having to worry about safety.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.