Study Shows Bluetooth, 802.11b Don't Interfere

There has been some concern that, because Bluetooth and 802.11b use the same unlicensed, 83 MHz wide, 2.4 GHz radio frequency band, the two wireless standards would interfere with each other when used together. Prelimary results from a recent study show that this doesn't happen. The range of each was unaffected by the other. The study doesn't seem to have looked at whether connection speed was affected.

The study was carried out by the Pennsylvania State University's Applied Research Laboratory and Wireless Infotech Education Services. Both groups agree that additional tests with varying procedures are necessary to completely determine the likelihood of Bluetooth and 802.11b interference under all circumstances.

In this study, conducted in a large manufacturing facility, the determined 802.11b range was approximately 284 feet with or without the presence of Bluetooth. Likewise, the Bluetooth network range was 64 feet regardless of whether the 802.11b device was active.

About 802.11b
The 802.11b standard is used to create a wireless, Local Area Network (LAN) and allows connections across ranges as great as 100 meters, depending on power level. Connections are made via access points and consequently multiple devices can be connected to the network through an access point, provided they are within range. An access point functions as the interface between the wired network and wireless network.

About Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a low-powered, short-range wireless network technology best suited for mobile devices, as they may not have enough power to support 802.11b signals. It creates a Personal Area Network (PAN) by directly connecting two devices together within a range of approximately 10 to 100 meters depending on power levels. It is also being used as a networking option for mobile devices.

Related Information:

• PIC: Bluetooth to Outsell 802.11b in 2001