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New Bluetooth Standard Promises Faster Speeds And Better Security

By Paul Liu
Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), the body responsible for development of Bluetooth standards, has recently announced the availability of Bluetooth 4.2, the latest standardized version of the technology. Bluetooth 4.2 offers several advantages over the previous version of the technology (version 4.1) and it also represents the first version of the technology that can directly connect to the internet. Here is an overview of the features and advantages offered by Bluetooth 4.2:

1) Faster and reliable connections: Bluetooth 4.2 promises to be significantly faster than the current version in use. By making use of Bluetooth Smart packets, the technology would be able to transmit data 2.5 times faster than the current standard. The new standard would also come with increased packet capacity and reduction in transmission errors.

2) Security: Apart from faster connections, the new Bluetooth standard promises to be a lot more secure. The new version comes with an in-built privacy feature that offers government level security and makes it significantly difficult, if not impossible, for eavesdroppers to track or connect to a device without adequate permission. This would also mean that Wi-Fi beacons installed at commercial establishments (such as malls) would not be able to track customers without their explicit permission. As per the information provided by a SIG spokesperson, the privacy feature can also be rolled through a firmware update but it is the responsibility of the manufacturers to release software patches for the old versions of the standard.

3) Power management: Bluetooth 4.2 also comes with improved power management features. Since the data transfer rates have been improved and packet capacity has been increased, devices can now transfer data quickly without consuming too much power. This is indeed a good news for Smartphone and tablet users since they can now get work done quickly without draining the battery of their mobile devices.

4) Improved connectivity: The new version of Bluetooth also promises to revolutionize industries like home automation by offering better connectivity between devices. Bluetooth 4.2 provides multiple ways for devices and hubs to connect to each other plus it also removes the need to install separate hubs for managing devices that do not communicate with each other. This will naturally bring down the cost associated with installing a home automation system since you would no longer have to buy a separate hub for each and every Bluetooth enabled device even if they are manufactured by separate manufacturers.

5) Web Connectivity: With the launch of the new version, Bluetooth enabled devices can now connect to the internet through IPv6 or 6LoWPAN (IPv6 over Low power Wireless Personal Area Networks). Even though Bluetooth’s IPv6 and 6LoWPAN features are not yet ratified the SIG expects them to be approved soon since the core technology behind the features has already been adopted.

The new version of Bluetooth promises to be nothing short of revolutionary. Consumers who are wary of using the Bluetooth technology due to speed or security issues can now look forward to a faster and secure experience without having to shell out more money. In addition, the improved connectivity features would encourage device manufacturers to offer better and cheaper Bluetooth based solutions to cater to a variety of needs.