Hardware & Drivers

Bluetooth provides a wireless solution for reducing the cable clutter of peripherals. It is also a replacement for IrDA, and is a complimentary technology to Apple's AirPort (802.11b, g and n) solution for wireless networks, not a replacement for networking. On a technical level, Bluetooth is an open specification for a cutting-edge technology that enables short-range wireless connections between desktop and laptop computers and a host of other peripheral devices - on a globally available frequency band (2.4 GHz) for worldwide compatibility.

Apple's implementation of the Bluetooth Stack is based on the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) standard where Data transfers happen over a series of layered protocols including Baseband, L2CAP, RFCOMM and OBEX. Devices are identified by unique 6 byte addresses - like Ethernet.

Apple's Bluetooth Stack is integrated in Mac OS X starting with version 10.2, also known as "Jaguar", and the Bluetooth Software Developer's Kit.

Details in the Bluetooth SDK include how to extend our stack to support your hardware, how to add support for additional profiles required by your devices, and how to develop applications that take advantage of the unique attributes of Bluetooth.

Related Links

Xcode Tools

Bluetooth SIG

Ericsson

D-Link Bluetooth USB Adapter