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
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.