Bluetooth Profiles / Functions

Bluetooth defines a variety of profiles, which are the standard usage scenario for how to connect Bluetooth devices on certain application.

Advanced Audio Distribution – A2DP

This profile defines how to realize distribution of audio content of high-quality from typically a stereo music player to headphones or speakers. The audio data is compressed for efficient transfer.

Audio/Video Remote Control – AVRCP

This profile defines the audio/video control functions in the Audio/Video streaming scenarios.

Basic Imaging - BIP

This profile defines a method for transferring images from one Bluetooth device (such as a camera) to another Bluetooth device (such as a desktop PC) for storage, editing, or printing.

Basic Printing - BPP

This profile enables simpler printing from a Bluetooth device to a Bluetooth printer. Using this profile does not require specific printer drivers. Instead, the printer has the capability to decipher the information sent to it so that it can produce the desired format.

Cordless Telephony - CTP

With this profile, a Bluetooth device that has voice capability can act as a cordless phone when it is in the vicinity of a Bluetooth access point or other Bluetooth device that has a connection to a voice network.

Dial-up Networking - DUN

This profile defines the procedure on how the Bluetooth Data Terminal device (normally PC) can dial-up to Internet via a Bluetooth Gateway (normally a DUN modem or a Bluetooth mobile phone).

FAX

This profile defines the procedure on how to send FAX via a Bluetooth FAX-capable device, such as a Bluetooth FAX machine, a modem or a Bluetooth mobile phone.

File Transfer - FTP

This application allows one Bluetooth device to browse a file system on, create or delete files/folders on, or transfer files from/to another Bluetooth device.

Generic Access - GAP

These are generic procedures related to discovery, link establishment, and security levels between two Bluetooth devices. This profile defines the general procedures used for establishing connections to other Bluetooth devices that accept connections and service requests regardless of the devices’ manufacturer.

Generic Object Exchange - GOEP

This profile defines procedures used by applications performing object exchanges. It defines these processes for transactions such as file transfers, object pushes and pulls, and synchronization.

Hands Free - HFP

This profile defines how two HFP devices interact with each other, typically a car’s Hands-Free unit to connect to a cellular phone for the purpose of acting as the phone’s audio input and output interface for users.

Hard Copy Replacement - HCRP

This profile enables a Bluetooth device to communicate with a Bluetooth printer directly for advanced printing capabilities, including management of print jobs, access to specific printer drivers for greater control over formatting, and other printing features. Specific printer drivers are required to use this profile.

Headset - HSP

This profile enables monaural audio to be transferred between one Bluetooth device, such as a mobile phone or a handheld device, and a headset. The most common uses for this profile is making Bluetooth phone calls with a Bluetooth headset.

Human Interface Device - HID

With this profile, input devices, such as a keyboard or mouse, can be wirelessly connected to a Bluetooth host device, such computer.

Intercom

Two Bluetooth devices that have voice capability can communicate directly with each other without the need to connect to a voice over IP network or a cellular network. The experience is similar to using two-way radios.

LAN Access - LAP

This profile defines how Bluetooth devices connect to LANs using Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). This function allows a Bluetooth device to connect to Bluetooth devices that already participate in a LAN. After you are connected, you will have access to that LAN’s resources such as network printers.

Object Push - OPP

This profile defines the process of pushing or pulling small objects such as a business card, calendar appointment, or a task from one device to another.

Personal Area Networking - PAN

This profile concentrates on Internet Protocol (IP) networking (including security) in an ad hoc connection environment between Bluetooth devices. Basically it has the ability to set up your own personal network with other Bluetooth devices such as desktops, laptops and network access points. The size of the network is limited to eight devices (known as a piconet).

SerialPort - SPP

This allows the use of an emulated serial port for applications that traditionally use a wired serial port interface, such as synchronizing information between a handheld device and a desktop PC using Microsoft. ActiveSync, or printing to a Bluetooth printer.

Service Discovery - SDP

This profile defines how to register available Bluetooth services(profiles) on the Bluetooth device, and how other Bluetooth devices can discover the services (profiles) available.

Synchronization - SYNC

This profile allows for the exchange of personal information between devices such as calendar and phonebook data. Also, it defines the ability of a mobile phone or computer to automatically start synchronization when two Bluetooth devices are in range.

For information about Bluetooth profiles, please visit www.Bluetooth.org.