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USAGE MODEL

While the Bluetooth usage model is based on connecting devices together, it is focused on three broad categories: voice/data access points, peripheral interconnects, and Personal Area Networking (PAN).

Figure 1: Voice/data access points

Voice/Data Access Points
Voice/data access points is one of the key initial usage models and involves connecting a computing device to a communicating device via a secure wireless link (see Figure 1). For example, a mobile computer equipped with Bluetooth technology could link to a mobile phone that uses Bluetooth technology to connect to the Internet to access e-mail. The mobile phone acts as a personal access point. Even more ideal, the notebook can connect to the Internet while the cell phone is being carried in a briefcase or purse. The Bluetooth usage model also envisions public data access points in the future. Imagine the current data-equipped pay phones in airports being upgraded with Bluetooth modems. This would allow any mobile device equipped with Bluetooth technology to easily connect to the Internet while located within ten meters of that access point. These access points could, of course, support much higher data rates than today's modems, as public spaces could connect a variety of private Bluetooth access points via a LAN that is routed to the Internet over a DSL line, allowing each access point a private 1Mbps connection to the Internet.

Figure 2: Peripheral interconnects

Peripheral Interconnects
The second category of uses, peripheral interconnects, involves connecting other devices together as shown in Figure 2. Imagine standard keyboards, mice, and joysticks that work over a wireless link. The Bluetooth link is built into the mobile computer; therefore, the cost of the peripheral device is less because an access point is not needed. Additionally, many of these devices can be used in multiple markets. For example, a Bluetooth headset used in the office could be connected to a Bluetooth access point that provides access to the office phone and multi-media functions of the mobile computer. When mobile, the same headset could be used to interface with the cellular phone (which can now remain in a briefcase or purse).

Another aspect of a short-range link like Bluetooth is in the area of proximity security devices. In this case, if one device is not within range of another device, the first device will go into a high-security mode.

Figure 3: Personal Area Networking (PAN)

Personal Area Networking
The last usage model, Personal Area Networking (PAN), focuses on the ad-hoc formation and breakdown of personal networks (see Figure 3). Imagine meeting someone in an airport and quickly and securely exchanging documents by establishing a private piconet. In the future, Bluetooth kiosks could provide access to electronic media that could be quickly downloaded for later access on the mobile device.