Bluetooth - moving files around
(Windows Mobile 5)
Information based on the Acer N311 PDA

DISCLAIMER. Please note that the advice below is provided only for UK customers of SUMS Online and Go Education plc. Others should consult their own suppliers.

1. About BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth wireless is a short-range communications technology that replaces the cables connecting portable and fixed devices while maintaining high levels of security.

Bluetooth enabled devices connect wirelessly through short-range, ad hoc networks known as piconets. Each device can simultaneously communicate with up to seven other devices within a single piconet. Each device can also belong to several piconets simultaneously.

The Acer N311 supports both 'Wireless' and Bluetooth. Each have their strengths. Bluetooth is useful in schools because of its inbuilt file transfer capability, and because it has a limited range - meaning that there is little chance of interference from third parties hacking into the network.

Class 2 radios – most commonly found in mobile devices – have a range of 10 meters or 30 feet.

2. Bluetooth on the Acer

In the picture opposite the Bluetooth facility is on - see the icon at the bottom right of the screen (the one with BLUE triangles). On the Acer you click the icon to get the option to 'Turn Bluetooth on'.

Note that a Bluetooth device that tries to find other nearby devices is called an INQUIRING DEVICE and actively sends inquiry requests. Bluetooth devices that are available to be found are known as DISCOVERABLE DEVICES and listen for these inquiry requests.

So, if nobody 'inquires' then nobody finds!

3. Setting clear device names

It is wise to start by arranging for every device to have a meaningful and distinct name. Note however that there are 3 separate places where naming information can be entered, and they may be used at different times. They are:

* the Owner information
* the Device Name
* the Bluetooth Device ID

The Device Name screen is shown opposite and is reached by following the sequence of instructions below.

START menu then SETTINGS then ABOUT icon then Device ID tab.

The Bluetooth Device ID screen is shown opposite and is reached by following the sequence of instructions below.

START menu then SETTINGS then CONNECTIONS tab then the BLUETOOTH icon followed by the Accessibility tab.

*** Note that you can minimise the number of names by ticking the "Use Pocket PC device name for Bluetooth".

Notice again that the settings made allow other devices to find this one. An active enquiry has to be made by a bluetooth device (another PDA or a PC with bluetooth) to initiate a connection.

4. Setting up basic File Transfer

Go to the Services tab to find a list of the services available. Decide the combination of Authorisation (i.e. permission to connect) and Authentication (i.e. password) required.

to be expanded and completed ....