Bluetooth exists in a many products, such as phones, printers, modems and
headsets. The technology is useful when transferring information between two or
more devices that are near each other in low-bandwidth situations. Bluetooth is
commonly used to transfer sound data with phones (i.e. with a Bluetooth headset)
or byte data with hand-held computers (transferring files).
Bluetooth simplifies the discovery and setup of services between devices.
Bluetooth devices advertise all of the services they provide. This makes using
services easier because there is no longer a need to setup network addresses or
permissions as in many other networks.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is more like traditional Ethernet networks, and requires configuration
to set up shared resources, transmit files, and to set up audio links (for
example, headsets and hands-free devices). It uses the same radio frequencies as
Bluetooth, but with higher power output resulting in a stronger connection.
Wi-Fi is sometimes called "wireless Ethernet." This description is accurate, it
also provides an indication of its relative strengths and weaknesses. Wi-Fi
requires more setup, but is better suited for operating full-scale networks
because it enables a faster connection, better range from the base station, and
better security than Bluetooth.
Computer requirements
A personal computer must have a Bluetooth adapter in order to be able to
communicate with other Bluetooth devices (such as mobile phones, mice and
keyboards). While some desktop computers already contain an internal Bluetooth
adapter, most require an external Bluetooth dongle. Most recent laptops come
with a built-in Bluetooth adapter.
Unlike its predecessor, IrDA, which requires a separate adapter for each
device, Bluetooth allows multiple devices to communicate with a computer over a
single adapter.
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