Bluetooth
Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1) is the most predominant of communication systems in portable devices. It is typically used for Personal-Area-Networks (PAN) or Piconets and communicates using FH-CDMA (Frequency Hopping Code Division Multiple Access) an ad-hoc paradigm also sometimes referred to as FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) [74], [75], [76].
Bluetooth uses one of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical – ISM category) radio bands (2400-2483.5 MHz) specified by the International Telecommunication Union’s Radio communication sector (ITU-R). These bands are dedicated for use by one of the three ISM categories and are not subject to licensing [75].
Within this frequency band, the devices use 79 different 1 MHz channels in their hopping sequence which is pseudo-randomly generated. Each hop from channel to channel occurs 1,600 times per second for voice and data transmission and 3,200 times per second for page and enquiry scanning [77].
To avoid collisions or cross channel interception the streams are coded (Code Division Multiple Access – CDMA) from each other so if two different communications are occupying the same frequency the transmissions are ignored if they do not suit the pre-agreed code for the appropriate data stream [74], [75], [78].
The latest in Bluetooth technology is version 4.0 or Low Energy Bluetooth. It was first deployed in the Apple iPhone 4S which was released late in 2011. Low Energy Bluetooth uses between 1 and 50 per cent of the power of classic Bluetooth devices allowing the communications platform to run for months or possibly years on small button batteries even with a range of 50 m which is 5 times that of classic Bluetooth class 2 radios [79].
Although Bluetooth is capable of transmission via its own protocols since the development and release of Bluetooth 3.0 High Speed in 2009 greater speed is achieved by using a hybrid system using both Bluetooth and WiFi.
This article was created by --BRE. It was taken from The future of electricity in domestic buildings, a review, by Andrew Williams, published in November 2014.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Bluetooth low energy.
- CAT5.
- Ethernet.
- Extranet.
- Global Unique IDs (GUIDs).
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report.
- Internet of things.
- Local area network.
- Smart buildings.
- Smart cities.
- Smart technology.
- The future of electricity in domestic buildings.
- WiredScore.
- ZigBee.
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.