Widening access to broadband hotspots employing bluetooth

Wireless networks are gaining in popirlarity due to the high deinaiid in user mobiliry arid the proliferation of ponable devices and semices. They provide the individual with the freedom to access data, infonnatioii and extended fomis of entertaininerit front anywhere, at anytime. This developinetit has driven rhe growth of broadband hotspot in public places such us coffee shops. hotels, airports and conference centres. Bluetooth enabled devices are also gradually penetrating the coiisiimer market. The technology is often ,found in mobile phones especially in Europe because of the lowpower usage and small footprint. As Bluetooth capabilities are improved and e.Kteitded. tlte technology hus rhe potential to offer hotspot services. Therefore, many Bluetooth upplications cuit be developed to take advantage o j the current market trend. This puper evaluates the potential of Bluetooth as a hotspot access technology. It describes the fundamentals of Bluetooth and provides comparison between Bluetooth and WiFi. It also dibcrtsses the need f o r Bluetooth hotspots by analyzing tlte deployment of wireless devices by consumers. The description of a design and impleinentatiori strategy for U Bluetooth hotspot deployment is also presented' . Index Terms Bluetooth, broadband hotspot, mobile phone, wireless technology.