Further Bluetooth Understanding

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sfgiants

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Wannabe Geek

Topic # 5564 8-Nov-2005 23:11

I own a Treo 650. It's bluetooth range is very limited as we all know (only a few meters). If I purchase (for example) the Linksys USBBT100 (which claims a range of about 300 ft) - does this mean I can use my treo 300ft away from the computer that I plug the linksys into. Ie, will the few meters of the 650 range just meet the range of the linksys. Or do I still have be within a few meters away from the computer (does the treo have to be in range of the linksys unit, or just in range of the linksys 300 ft transmisson). Also, if I can be 50-300 odd feet away, will bluetooth work while I am downstars through floors and walls up the the 300foot range or will the range be shortened by walls etc.

Simply, I my computer is upstairs. I want to be downstairs, out on the back patio about 40m away from the computer. If I plug the linksys in upstairs, will my palm work on the bluetooth network when I am on the patio. Or, because the palm only has a 3m range will it fail.

In this site I found some information to bluetooth only has a range of aboutn 10m. How does linksys have 100m range - or has this simply changed over time.

I hope I have made these question clear enough. I appreciate your assistance.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

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Reply # 22856 8-Nov-2005 23:20

Welcome to Geekzone... There are different classes of Bluetooth devices, with shorter or longer ranges, hence the 10m and 100m devices.

As a rule, don't assume combining these device will make both work at longer distances. Be on the safe side and assume that they will work on the shortest range.

Also Bluetooth will have its range reduced by walls, floors, doors, glass...

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sfgiants

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 22857 8-Nov-2005 23:22

thanks for the fast reply. So, am I limited to to only 3m or so with my Palm or is there another way around this - as we know they don't have wifi.

Cheers

freitasm

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Reply # 22858 8-Nov-2005 23:25

You are limited... The Palm should be able to go to 10m range, but there are other factors.

Remember, Bluetooth is a Personal Area Network technology, unlike Wi-Fi which covers a wider area. The idea behind Bluetooth is to be able to connect devices, but not necessarily cover large distances.

Think of it being practical for things like your mobile in the briefcase or pocket, your headset, PDA - these things are all close to each other, not on the other side of the house.

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sfgiants

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

Reply # 22859 8-Nov-2005 23:27

thanks a great deal. That has answered many of my questions.

Cheers