This section introduces you to Bluetooth technology.
1.1 What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a standard wireless technology that lets users make effortless, fast connections
between appropriate mobile devices and computers. Bluetooth ensures protection from interference,
increases data security, and provides greater wireless range. It is a global standard and is backed by
major industry leaders in the telecommunications, computer and consumer electronics (such as
3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia, Sony and Toshiba).
Bluetooth is based on a low-cost, low power, short-range radio link. Bluetooth cuts the cords that
used to tie up digital devices. When two Bluetooth equipped devices come within 10 meters range
of each other, they can establish a connection together. And because Bluetooth utilizes a
radio-based link, it doesn't require a line-of-sight connection in order to communicate. Bluetooth
uses the global available and unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM band. As opposed to other 2.4 GHz
technologies, Bluetooth is a universal standard.
In the future, Bluetooth is likely to be standard in tens of millions of mobile phones, PCs, laptops
and a whole range of other electronic devices. As a result, the market is going to demand new
innovative applications, value-added services, end-to-end solutions and much more. The possibilities
opened up really are limitless, and because the radio frequency used is globally available, Bluetooth
can offer fast and secure access to wireless connectivity all over the world. With potential like that,
it's no wonder that Bluetooth is set to become the fastest adopted technology in history.
For more information on Bluetooth, please visit the official Bluetooth site: www.bluetooth.com
1.2 What is the "Bluetooth SIG"?
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is a trade association of leaders in the
telecommunication, computing and networking industries who are driving the development of
Bluetooth specifications.
Logitech is an associate member of the Bluetooth SIG and full member of the HID working group.
1.3 What is the range of Bluetooth?
Bluetooth wireless technology in its base implementation supports a range of 10 meters (33 feet).
This is the maximum distance a connection can be guaranteed in all conditions. Some devices on
the market have more powerful transceivers and as such, are likely to have greater range. This is
the case for the Logitech Bluetooth hub, and is the reason why the range of Logitech’s Bluetooth
keyboards and mice is usually much higher than 10 meters (33 feet). It is also important to note
that range is also impacted by building materials and interference.
1.4 What is Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)?
With the announcement of the 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) specification, Bluetooth wireless
technology took a bold new step. Adopted for qualification by the Bluetooth SIG in November of
2004, this new specification is fully backwards compatible with previous Bluetooth specification
versions. The key new features are:
• Faster data rates. Up to three times that of previous levels.
• Lower power consumption and longer battery life through a reduced duty cycle.
This new Bluetooth generation offers new possibilities for next-generation applications for
consumers worldwide, including:
• Enhanced stereo audio applications.
• Internet quality video applications.
• Further power optimization.
• Multiple connections from a single device.
Logitech’s diNovo Media Desktop Laser and Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser are both using
Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR technology, making these products ready to communicate with the latest
generation of Bluetooth devices.
1.5 What is the data transmission rate of Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR?
The data transmission rate for Bluetooth 2.0 EDR communication is theoretically at 3Mb/s (Megabits
per second), making it 3 times faster than the previous generation.
Source: Bluetooth SIG
1.6 What are the main differences between Bluetooth 1.2 and Bluetooth 2.0
EDR?
The main motivation for the release of the new version was to improve existing usage scenarios that
require increased data throughput. Scenarios requiring higher throughput may be image transfer,
printing and synchronizing. In these cases the new release makes the Bluetooth wireless technology
faster and better for the consumer to use.
The main features offered with these enhancements are:
• Backwards compatibility with earlier versions.
• 3 times the transmission speed makes existing usage scenarios better.
• Lower power consumption through reduced duty cycle.
• Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth.
• Further improved BER (Bit Error Rate) performance.
1.7 Which Bluetooth specification are Logitech products compatible with?
Our products are compatible with the Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR)
specification, the latest released specification.
1.8 What is the range of Logitech Bluetooth products?
Our products support Bluetooth class II. This means they will work at least 10 meters (33 feet)
away from the receiver.
1.9 What are the differences between Wi-Fi (802.11b) and the Bluetooth
wireless technology?
Bluetooth wireless technology and Wi-Fi are complementary technologies that do different things:
• Bluetooth wireless technology is designed to replace USB cables between cell phones,
laptops, and other computing and communication devices within a 10-meter range.
• Wi-Fi is wireless Ethernet. It provides an extension or replacement of wired networks for
dozens of computing devices.
Wireless Wired
Bluetooth ↔USB
Wi-Fi ↔ Ethernet
1.10 Will using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies together cause interference?
Studies by a number of companies indicate that if the separation is more than two meters, in most
cases there is no perceptible degradation in transmitting data in either device. From two meters to
about a half-meter, there is a graceful degradation. As the devices are brought into very close
proximity, the degradation can be quite noticeable. Fortunately, this scenario only happens when
the two systems are in the same device, and in those cases, Bluetooth hardware and Wi-Fi
hardware can collaborate to dramatically improve performance. In addition, all Bluetooth desktops
from Logitech include Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) technology, making them an ideal solution
for the growing number of customers who work on a wireless network, because it minimizes
interference between Bluetooth wireless technology and Wi-Fi wireless technology.
1.11 What does "Pairing" mean, and what is a Passkey?
Normally, for security reasons, two Bluetooth devices need to be initially paired before they can
exchange data. The term pairing (or bonding as it is sometimes referred to) means that two devices
are exchanging protected passkeys, enabling a higher level of security. Once the devices have been
paired, the information is stored so that you don't have to re-pair these devices a second time. Even
though devices are paired, this does not mean that they can necessarily transfer data. To do that,
they must also be connected. Once devices are paired and connected, data can be transferred and
two-way communication is enabled.
In certain instances, it makes sense to override the pairing procedure; for example when
exchanging business cards between two mobile phones it may be too cumbersome to pair using a
password. For these situations, most devices have advanced settings that allow you to pair using a
lower level of security.
An industry first, Logitech's SecureConnect™ Technology – featured in products such as the
Cordless Desktop MX5000 Laser – means that the wireless keyboard and mouse have been
pre-connected to the receiver. This not only provides an instant secure link with the computer
right from the start but also means that a passkey is no longer required, the main benefit of which
is a faster, hassle-free installation.
1.12 What is "discoverable mode" (or "visible mode")?
For one device to initially "find" another Bluetooth device, one product must be in discoverable
mode (be "visible"), while the other performs a device discovery (or "device search"). The way you
put your product in a discoverable mode varies by device and by manufacturer. Most devices
allow a user to configure the default state. Please consult the documentation that came with
your Bluetooth device to find specific instructions on device discovery.
For security reasons it is recommended that you do not usually leave your devices in a discoverable
state. However, there are usage cases where this does make sense – for example, a Bluetooth
printer in a shared area would be a good example of a device that should always be in
discoverable state.
Logitech keyboards and mice are in discoverable mode when you press the 'Connect' button located
on the bottom.
1.13 What is a Bluetooth "profile" (or "service")?
A profile or service is a list of options, features or functionality available for a specific Bluetooth
device. Since Bluetooth wireless technology is used for many different types of applications, it is
necessary to describe how the different devices and their applications should operate together. For
example, profiles or services available for a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone may include Dial-up
Networking, PIM Item Transfer, PIM Synchronization, Network Access, and so on.
For devices to work together, it is important that each device shares the same profile. For example:
• If you want to connect a headset to a mobile phone you need the 'headset' profile in both
devices.
• If you want to establish a dial-up session to reach the Internet from a PDA connected to a
mobile phone, you need the 'dial-up networking' profile in both devices.
An example that is not likely to work together:
• A mouse, which typically supports the HID (Human Interface Device) profile, and a mobile
phone are unlikely to work due to the fact that, presently, there are no phones that support
the HID profile or service.
These are just some examples. When purchasing your Bluetooth device, please keep this concept in
mind to ensure that the devices you purchase will work together as expected. Usually the supported
profiles or services are listed in the user documentation for the device.
1.14 What are the Bluetooth profiles supported by Logitech products?
Logitech products support the following profiles:
Profile Allows you to…
Human Interface Device Connect your Bluetooth HID with the system.
Object Exchange Send and receive business cards/files between the device and
the computer.
Synchronize Synchronize your address book on the device with the computer.
Headset Listen to music on your Bluetooth headset.
Basic Imaging Send pictures to the computer from the device.
Dial-up Network Connect to the internet via GPRS.
Hard Cable Replacement Print documents on your Bluetooth printer.
Serial Port Connect to the device's serial port.
Audio Gateway Use the computer's speakers and mic for the device.
AV Listen to music on your stereo headset.
Local Area Network Connect computers wirelessly.
File Transfer Browse the content of the device.
1.15 What is a Bluetooth "stack"?
A stack is a piece of software that is installed on your computer. It allows Bluetooth devices to be
recognized and used. Currently, a Bluetooth stack is required due to the fact that Windows XP and
Windows 2000 do not natively support Bluetooth. A Bluetooth stack is provided with all Logitech
Bluetooth desktop.
1.16 Which Bluetooth stack (software) is used in Logitech products?
The Bluetooth stack we are using is provided by Broadcom (also known as "BTW"); it allows Bluetooth
devices to be recognized and used. Logitech Desktops also support the Microsoft XP SP2 Bluetooth
stack. However, for optimal performance, we recommend you use the Bluetooth stack provided with
your product. For instance, Microsoft is not currently offering Audio support with its stack, and
therefore you are not able to connect a Bluetooth headset to your Bluetooth hub anymore.
1.17 Is Bluetooth harmful?
Wireless phones and Bluetooth devices both emit non-ionizing radiation, typically at frequencies
from 1 to 2.5 GHz. The data results on health hazards from wireless phone radiation are not
clear-cut, with some studies showing a measure of risk and some showing no problems.
But because it's a good idea to err on the side of caution in such matters, regulatory bodies have
set exposure standards. These are expressed in terms of the "specific absorption rate" (SAR), which
attempts to measure the radiation actually reaching body tissue. The U.S. and Canadian
governments have set a maximum SAR of 1.6 watts per kilogram, while the European Union
permits a slightly higher level. In the real world, emissions generally stay well below the
maximum allowed. According to data from BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion (RIMM), SARs
for GSM BlackBerry devices fall in the range of 0.25 watts per kilogram when used at your ear.
Bluetooth radios operate at much lower power levels than phones so, not surprisingly, the
radiation added by a Bluetooth device is insignificant by comparison. A study by William G.
Scanlon of Queen's University in Belfast found that a typical Ericsson (ERICY) Bluetooth radio
module generates an SAR of just 0.001 watts per kilogram.
1.18 Can I access the BIOS settings of my system with my Bluetooth keyboard?
Yes. During boot, your Bluetooth keyboard acts as a standard USB keyboard. This means you can
use it to manage your BIOS setting or enter a boot password without the need for a second
keyboard as long as your BIOS does not require a PS/2 keyboard in order to boot. If that is the
case, you may have to upgrade your BIOS (refer to your computer documentation for instructions).
1.19 Can I use my Logitech product even if I have not installed the Bluetooth
stack (software) yet?
Yes. Logitech Bluetooth products are "Plug & Play". This means you can already use your keyboard
even if you have not installed the software. Obviously, you need to install the software to get all the
features of the product. It also means you don't need to have an existing keyboard and mouse to
install Logitech desktops for Bluetooth. This is particularly useful if you bought a new system.
1.20 What makes Bluetooth desktops from Logitech the most advanced
keyboard and mouse combos with this technology?
With diNovo Media Desktop Laser and Cordless Desktop MX 5000 Laser, Logitech is launching its
third generation Bluetooth keyboard and mouse combo, each generation bringing its own set of
innovation and industry firsts:
• In October 2003, Logitech launched the first Bluetooth desktops with plug and play support,
meaning no other keyboard and mouse were required to install it. In addition, these products
were the first to come with BIOS support, meaning users could access their BIOS or enter a
password during boot.
• In September 2004, Logitech introduced the first Bluetooth desktop supporting Bluetooth 1.2
specification, offering better battery life and improved connectivity.
• In 2005, Logitech is now launching the first Bluetooth desktop with SecureConnect
technology, making the out-of-the-box experience simpler and faster by skipping the pairing
process (all devices being pre-connected and encrypted at the factory). Logitech is also
introducing for the first time Bluetooth desktops featuring a rechargeable Laser mouse. In
addition, these desktops are the only ones to offer audio support, meaning the user can
connect a Bluetooth headset for voice over instant messaging or listen to audio wirelessly
with a Bluetooth headphone.
2 Connecting with Bluetooth - Interoperability of Logitech
products
This section describes the way Logitech products can work together.
2.1 What Bluetooth devices can I connect to the Bluetooth wireless hub from
Logitech?
Any device compatible with the Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR specification and featuring one or more of
our supported profiles will work with our Bluetooth wireless hub. In addition, Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR
is backwards compatible with previous Bluetooth generations (1.0 or 1.2), meaning you can still
connect your older Bluetooth devices.
Please refer to our currently supported devices (www.logitech.com/bluetooth/howto
).
2.2 I have a system with Bluetooth built-in. Can I use Logitech products
without limitation?
We assume that you are enjoying your Bluetooth experience on your PC or notebook and you wish
to continue. For this reason we will NOT install our Bluetooth stack when another Bluetooth stack is
detected. However, the keyboard and mouse will be fully functional, working in "embedded mode"
(e.g. the Bluetooth software required for your keyboard and mouse is "embedded" in the Bluetooth
wireless hub). If you want to connect additional Bluetooth devices to your computer, such as a
mobile phone, you will have to use your existing Bluetooth solution.
2.3 I have a system with Bluetooth built-in (e.g. a laptop). Can I use the
Logitech Bluetooth keyboard or mouse without using the Logitech
Bluetooth wireless hub?
We have provided our keyboard and mouse with the Bluetooth wireless hub mini-receiver because
very few computers are Bluetooth enabled and we want to provide the best Bluetooth experience to
our customers. However, if you already have a system (typically a laptop/notebook) with built-in
Bluetooth and the HID profile, you can directly connect the Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, without
using our Bluetooth mini-receiver.
However:
• You need to first pair the keyboard and mouse with the laptop Bluetooth stack.
• If your system is using a different Bluetooth stack than the one supplied with Logitech
products, you may not be able to enjoy the features of the Logitech Bluetooth wireless hub.
2.4 I have a laptop with Bluetooth built-in. What should I do?
The MX 5000 Laser and diNovo Laser have been optimized to work with any laptop with built-in
radio using WIDCOMM stack v.1.4.2.21 or above and Windows XP SP2 stack. This means our
software ("SetPoint") will recognize your configuration and offer a special installation, allowing you
to enjoy the features offered by your Logitech Bluetooth product in conjunction with your laptop.
Note:
You may need to upgrade your system to the latest Bluetooth stack available for your
laptop. Please refer to your laptop manufacturer’s support documentation for more
information.