Bluetooth Technology Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluetooth technology is leading the future of wireless connections between different technological devices.  Bluetooth is built into a variety of different devices including: phones, iPods, headsets, and even medical equipment.  It lets you make calls, listen to music, and send all kinds of information wirelessly, without any cable connections (Bluetooth SIG, 2011, p. 2).  The main objective of Bluetooth is to eliminate the need to, “connect, plug in, install, enable or configure anything to anything else (Bray and Sturman, 2001, p. 1).  Data exchange without wires is the staple of Bluetooth technology.  It can also be used to connect to LAN networks (local area networks).  Here is a video of some exaples of Bluetooth and how it works http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERZEiVXsAM
 Advantages of Bluetooth Technology

• It is cheap
• Easy to install
• It makes connecting to different devices convenient 
• It is wireless
• It is free to use if the device is installed with it

Disadvantages of Bluetooth Technology

• It can be hacked into
• If installed on a cellphone it is prone to receiving cell phone viruses 
• It only allows short range communication between devices
• It can only connect two devices at once
• It can lose connection in certain conditions 

References

Bray, J., & Sturman, C. F. (2001). Bluetooth: connect without cables.  Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall PTR.

This book is a basic summary of Bluetooth's origins all the way to future developments, it was written by two authors who have degrees in software and electrical engineering.

Fast Facts. (2011, December 3). The Official Bluetooth Technology Web Site. Retrieved October 4, 2011, from http://www.bluetooth.com/Pages/Fast-Facts.aspx

This source comes from the official Bluetooth website and most likely has the most accurate and current information on Bluetooth and its application.

Franklin, C., & Layton, J. (2011.). HowStuffWorks "Bluetooth Security". HowStuffWorks "Electronics". Retrieved October 4, 2011, from http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/bluetooth4.htm

Howstuffworks.com is a very reliable website that is actually run by the discovery Channel. It has a lot of information on Bluetooth and is well cross-referenced.