Laptops can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices at the same time, generally a Bluetooth can support 7 devices at the same time. But the supported Bluetooth devices need to be of different types, for example, mouse and headset are two different types of devices. So connecting a bluetooth keyboard, bluetooth mouse, bluetooth headset can then be connected to the PDA to transfer files.
Expanded InformationIntroduction
Bluetooth (?Bluetooth?): is a wireless technology standard that enables the exchange of data over short distances (using UHF radio waves in the ISM band at 2.4-2.485GHz) between fixed devices, mobile devices, and building personal area networks. Bluetooth technology was originally created by telecom giant Ericsson in 1994 as an alternative to the RS232 data line. Bluetooth allows multiple devices to be connected, overcoming the challenge of synchronizing data.
The Bluetooth master device can communicate with up to seven devices in a pico network (an ad hoc network of computers using Bluetooth technology), although not all devices will be able to reach this maximum number.
Devices can switch roles via the protocol, and slaves can switch to masters (e.g., a headset requesting a connection from a cell phone would naturally be the master as the initiator of the connection, but might then operate as a slave).
Data transfers can take place at any time between the master device and other devices (except in broadcast mode, which is rarely used). The master device can select which slave devices it wants to access; typically, it can be quickly switched between devices in a rotating fashion.
Basic Requirements
Operating System ApplicationsPersonal computers that do not have built-in Bluetooth can communicate with Bluetooth devices via Bluetooth adapters. Some desktops and most recent laptops have built-in Bluetooth radios; those that don't require an external adapter to enable Bluetooth communication capabilities, usually a small USB dongle.
Unlike early IrDA, which required a separate adapter for each device, Bluetooth enables communication between a computer and multiple devices through a single adapter.Apple has been using Bluetooth technology since its MacOSX v10.2 product in 2012.
On Microsoft platforms, Windows XP Service Pack 2 and SP3 versions provide native support for Bluetooth 1.1, 2.0, and 2.0+EDR. Earlier versions required users to install a Bluetooth adapter driver rather than support Bluetooth directly.
Microsoft's own Bluetooth dongle (included with its Bluetooth PC devices) does not have an external driver, so it requires Windows XP Service Pack 2. Windows Vista RTM/SP1 or Windows Vista?SP2 with the Wireless Feature Pack is compatible with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR. Windows 7 is compatible with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and Extended Interrogation Response (EIR).
The Windows XP and Windows Vista/Windows 7 Bluetooth stacks provide native support for the following Bluetooth protocols: PAN, SPP, DUN, HID, HCRP. Windows XP stacks can be replaced by third-party stacks that support other protocols or newer versions of Bluetooth. Windows Vista/? Windows 7 Bluetooth stacks support third-party protocols and are not required to replace Microsoft stacks.
Linux has two popular Bluetooth stacks, BlueZ and Affix. most Linux kernel programs include the BlueZ stack, which was first developed by Qualcomm. the Affix stack was developed by Nokia. freeBSD has supported Bluetooth since its 5.0 release. netBSD has supported Bluetooth since its 4.0 release. Its Bluetooth stack is also plugged into the OpenBSD port.
Short link broadcasting technology (later renamed Bluetooth) was originally developed in Lund, Sweden, by Nils Rydbeck, CTO of Ericsson Mobility, to develop a short link broadcasting technology, based on two inventions published in 1989 (Dr. Johan Ullman's SE 8902098-6, released on June 2, 1989, and July 24, 1992, and SE 9202239), to develop a wireless headset.
Nils Rydbeck assigned the specification designation to Tord Wingren and the development to Jaap Haartsen and Sven Mattisson, who worked for Ericsson in Lund, Sweden. This specification is based on frequency hopping technology.
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