Bluetooth operates with data rates up to 1 Mbps. The technology also supports up to three 64 Kbps full duplex voice channels or up to 7 slaves in the basic piconet, with the ability to connect up to 128 in an extended scatternet. With 79 frequencies and 1,600 hops per second, the Bluetooth specification targets an approximate range of 10-20m. Solving the integration issues The seamless utilization of these technologies is not without its challenges. Since both technologies operate in the same RF band, interference is potentially a concern.
Coexistence is a high priority to successfully deploy both technologies in the marketplace.
As a leader in wireless communications and with strong product developments in both of these key technologies, TI is uniquely positioned to address these concerns. While the issues exist, the inherent robustness of each technology helps to overcome some of the interference issues, especially as the distance between them increases. When Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are in the same device or sitting right next to each other, performance degradation is the most notable. One promising path for harmonious co-existence is for both technologies to avoid using the same frequency at the same time. Channel selection can be performed by the use of system administrators, supervisory functions, or scheduling services.