Bluetooth Performance Characteristics

15.12.2003

Abstract

Bluetooth is a wireless cable replacement technology intended for use in Personal Area Networks. To accommodate this user environment, Bluetooth has emphasized its design to fit reliable- and easy-to-use products. Using Bluetooth in industrial applications places other requirements on the technology, such as low and predictable latency. Industrial applications also require Bluetooth to handle a different usage model, potentially involving increased amounts of traffic.

This thesis investigates Bluetooth communication medium characteristics and network protocol optimization techniques. Our goal is to examine how Bluetooth can meet the requirements of industrial applications.

Experimental results and network protocol studies are presented, unveiling performance characteristics and tradeoffs for implementing a Bluetooth solution suited in an industrial environment.