Bluetooth adapter - what is it, how it works, what it is needed for, main types, existing profiles

Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology designed for use over short distances and connecting electronic devices without the use of wires or cables. In fact, a Bluetooth adapter for a computer can be built into any electronic product or purchased as a separate module.

What is a bluetooth adapter?

Sometimes called a “dongle,” a Bluetooth adapter is any device designed to communicate with a PC, laptop, or mobile device and provide a wireless connection service. They are often small plug-and-play USB devices that only have an antenna for transmitting and receiving data and a few bluetooth chips. There are also larger modules that are installed on a desktop computer to provide connectivity to devices that are not wireless or to increase the connection range.

How does a bluetooth adapter work?

When two devices equipped with a Bluetooth adapter are turned on, one of them acts as discoverable, that is, it will appear in the list of available devices. Any Bluetooth accessory sends a signal with a small amount of information to alert other gadgets of its presence. Once pairing is confirmed, the two devices form a personal area network or piconet. From this point on, they know how to connect to each other based on the unique address in their respective signals.

Regardless of the arrival of other signals at the same wavelengths that the paired devices operate on, they will always detect, read and send the correct signals. When the USB adapter is turned on, the bluetooth chips generate wavelengths that are locked to frequencies operating in a range specifically designated for short-range communications. Bluetooth signals have a limited range, which prevents large volumes of conflicting data from covering vast areas and interrupting communication between other gadgets.

FM transmitter

At first glance, the most convenient and popular solution. This is how an FM transmitter works

: the device is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket, and the phone is connected to it via Bluetooth. The radio in the car is tuned to a specific FM wave set on the transmitter. The device receives a signal from the phone via Bluetooth and transmits it in the FM range to a regular radio.

• Inexpensive;
• Sold at almost every gas station, auto parts store or hardware store;

Disadvantages of this solution:

• The cigarette lighter socket is always occupied. If you use it, for example, to charge something, you will have to buy a double, etc.;
• The device is quite bulky. The biggest thing of all in this review. It looks rather untidy;
• Neighboring cars, for example, in a traffic jam, can easily listen to your content by tuning in (or accidentally getting) to the desired wave. Especially if the transmitter is set to a wave that intersects with popular radio stations, you can jam the radio in neighboring cars. Interference may also occur if such devices operate on the same wavelength in neighboring machines;

There is still a chance of running into devices that are not very well thought out. For example, this happened to me, with this transmitter. For some reason, it does not have the function of transmitting audio via Bluetooth. Those. it is possible to use it as a wireless connection for conversations “without taking your hands off the steering wheel” (but such a task was not intended), but not for transmitting music. Moreover, I couldn’t even find where this “feature” was explicitly written. Check all the capabilities of the device before purchasing so as not to get into a similar situation.

Why do you need a bluetooth adapter?

Bluetooth wireless technology is a convenient choice when you need to connect and communicate between various electronic devices without the need for wires and cables. The main features include:

1. Transferring information from a smartphone to a PC and back.
2. Connecting several desktop computers within a small radius.
3. Connecting peripheral equipment to a PC (headphones, mouse, keyboard, etc.).

The Bluetooth adapter for a computer plugs into any USB port, and setup and connection occur automatically. In some cases, it may require installing drivers; this applies to operating systems of the Windows family that are older than version 7. Has stable communication and low power consumption.

Peculiarities

Consumers often confuse two similar terms - Bluetooth and Wi-fi connection. If Bluetooth technology is used for remote data transfer over short distances between various devices, then Wi fi technology is used to create a local computer network and organize remote Internet access.

The maximum range of the adapters is 50-60 meters, so they are used in apartments, houses, offices and shops.

This technology is used to quickly exchange audio, video and text files; you can manage RAM, send and receive photos, and manage work programs.

The module is connected without additional cables and adapters, via a standard USB port. The advantage of the module is the ability to transmit data at high speed. The modules are capable of establishing and maintaining wireless communication even with short-term wave interference that occurs between devices.

How to choose a Bluetooth adapter?

The range of devices is wide. Bluetooth adapters are not as complicated as they may seem, but there are a few features to consider when purchasing. When comparing models, you need to take into account the following characteristics:

1. Purpose
   . Adapters may not always provide a good connection to every type of peripheral device. Some are designed for low-bandwidth devices such as computer mice and keyboards, but they will not provide a proper connection for wireless speakers.
2. Range
   . They have different effective ranges. For most it is about 5-8 m, but there are more.
3. Version
   . The new Bluetooth adapter for PC is version 5.0, but 4.0 is still the standard supported by most devices, but version 3.0 models will work fine if high throughput or battery life is not an issue. Otherwise, it is better to choose a more recent version.
4. Additional functions
   . NFC compatibility is useful if you need to connect your computer to your smartphone, auto pairing mode and so on.

Bluetooth adapter profiles

For two Bluetooth devices to be compatible, they must support the same profiles. They contain information such as suggested user interface formats and dependencies on other profiles. The Bluetooth adapter for PC supports the following active profiles:

• 3DSP
  – 3D synchronization;
• A2DP
  – advanced audio distribution profile;
• AVRCP
  – remote control;
• BIP
  – image processing;
• BPP
  – main print profile;
• CTN
  – calendar of tasks and notes;
• DI
  – device identifier;
• DUN
  – remote access;
• FTP
  – file transfer.

Bluetooth adapter class

Mainly, the classification occurs according to communication range:

1. Powerful devices installed in modems. Capable of picking up a signal with a diameter of 100 m.
2. This class is represented by most USB Bluetooth adapter models. In the absence of obstacles, they can work at a distance of up to 50 m.
3. The signal propagation area is no more than 10 m.
4. Class 4 models are considered obsolete, and their coverage area does not exceed 1 m.

Bluetooth Flash

This is a “flash drive” with Bluetooth function. It is inserted into the USB input of the receiver and transmits data from Bluetooth to it. How it works? The flash drive has a small internal memory. Everything that Bluetooth Flash receives via Bluetooth (music, audiobook, telephone conversation) is recorded on it. The car radio sees the Bluetooth Flash like a regular drive, reading data from the internal memory.

• Inexpensive;
• Compact;
• Neat and beautiful;
• Can be used not only with a car radio, but also with any one that has a USB input.

• The sound may “hiccup”, i.e. disappear for some time. Possibly related to recording speed, or may depend on the playback device;
• Not all radios read this kind of flash. For example, my car's radio could not find a common language with it. No data from the internal memory was played back. And, for example, by connecting it to TV, the device started working.

We can recommend the device to those who do not have an AUX input in their car (or really don’t want to remove it). Apart from a USB input, this “Flash Drive” does not need anything else. But be aware of the “icks” and incompatibility with some radios.

Rating of Bluetooth adapters

The TOP best devices include the following models:

1. ASUS BT-400
   . This miniature device works on the plug-and-play principle. It is compatible with Windows operating systems starting from version 7. For correct functioning, Asus drivers are required. The only drawback is the cost, which is higher than competitors.
2. Quantoom AUX UNI
   . It looks like a small box that connects via an AUX connector to any speaker system. The Bluetooth AUX adapter supports protocol version 4.1. Thanks to the microphone, it can act as a headset. A 200 mAh battery guarantees operation for up to 12 hours without recharging.
3. TP-Link UB400
   . This universal dongle can support 7 different devices in parallel. For correct functioning, it uses Bluetooth standard 4.0. Maintains connection within a radius of 20 m. No drivers required for Windows 8 and higher.
4. Orico BTA-403
   . Available in two types of modifications – standard and advanced. Differences in the supported protocol version. In the first case it is 4.0, in the second – 4.2. Operating distance up to 20 m. Operates with any Bluetooth devices.

Classes and types

The metering is painted approximately and under ideal conditions. The signal propagation rate decreases depending on the thickness of the walls, the material, as well as the aura of the system administrators who work nearby in the server room.

Typically, the signal level is amplified by an antenna, which can be additionally installed to the device. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to have a rough idea of ​​what the adapter is needed for and how far you will run from the working base.

They are divided by type:

• External;
• Internal;
• Modular, for example, a headphone headset that immediately has everything you need.

The most popular ASUS USB-BT400

Has a more reliable packet transmission system. Well suited for connecting all wireless devices from phones to headphones.