Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy

Welcome to our April 2020 blog update where this month I want to focus on Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

You may see a lot of talk about BLE. I thought I’d write a little blog on the differences between Bluetooth (BT) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

A lot of people think they are the same and related. Well they kinda are, but distant cousins – not brothers. They have a common heritage, but they have several important distinctions.

BT was created in the mid to late 1990s, from work done at Ericsson in the years previous. It was created to run over short distances and be used for things like mice and keyboards. It was designed to replace small cable runs, over short distances.

Today, in addition to mice and keyboards, you most probably have experienced in your headphones, your microphone (probably for your phone, embedded into an earpiece), or maybe even in your car.

BT breaks down into two main types of devices: BT Classic (also known as BR/EDR) and BLE.

BLE was introduced in BT v4.0 (2010) and lives up to its name – low energy/power. Both these types cannot interoperate, even though they are both technically BT, and operate in the same 2.4GHz (2.400 – 2.4835GHz) frequency. A device wishing to operate both protocols needs to run both protocols (this is sometimes called a Dual Mode device).

You may see BLE sometimes referred to as BT Smart. BLE is becoming more popular, especially because of its lower power use, and therefore longer battery life. BT was designed, and intended, for continuous data streaming, where BLE was designed for short burst data transmission. BT is used for audio streaming, and file transfers. BLE tends to be used for data transmission, and/or control with low-bandwidth applications.

Technical Details (BT v5.0 – 2016)

<<Click image to enlarge>>

BLE versions are backwards-compatible.

There you go! Lots of information on BLE, so now you can impress people at parties, right? Or maybe…?

See you next time!

===

*Speed is the speed of the PHY layer, application throughput tends to be around 70% of the stated “speed”.

**2Mbps speed involved use of new hardware. It is possible older equipment may not support this.

*** BT5.0

===

About NC-Expert

NC-Expert is a privately-held California corporation and is well established within the Wireless, Security, and Collaboration industry certification training, courseware development, and consulting markets.

Led by its Founder and CEO, Rie Vainstein, NC-Expert has won numerous private contracts with Fortune level companies around the world. These customers have depended on NC-Expert to train, advise, and mentor their staff.

So remember, if you are looking for the best IT training just call us at (855) 941-2121 or contact us

The post Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy appeared first on NC Expert.

NC-Expert Blog

Wi-Fi Sensing: Is “Big Brother” Really Watching Us?

By Rie Vainstein • July 4, 2025
Connecting the Dots? Wi-Fi Sensing just hit the headlines in a big way, reportedly as the latest technological invasion into our lives. Many people were horrified about the threat of being spied on in their own homes. In this blog, we investigate the reality of the technology and determine how far the “Big Brother” myth actually goes. Phrases like, “Your Wi-Fi can detect movement,” can strike fear into the heart, that our every move is being watched and tracked... but is it really as bad as it seems? What is Wi-Fi Sensing? Wi-Fi Sensing uses the Radio Frequency (RF) signals that are already being transmitted by Wi-Fi devices. When these signals propagate through space, they interact with everything in the environment: people, pets, furniture, walls, etc.

The Importance of Using a VPN

By Rie Vainstein • March 31, 2025
A Digital Shield for Your Online Adventures As tech professionals, we often spend a good chunk of our lives navigating the digital realm. Whether you’re troubleshooting a network, coding a new app, or just binge-watching the latest series, one thing is clear: your connection to the internet is a double-edged sword. It’s both incredibly convenient and, if not properly secured, a potential vulnerability. Enter the VPN (Virtual Private Network) our trusty, digital bodyguard. If you’re not already using one, or if you’re not entirely sure why you should, let’s walk through some of the reasons why a VPN is essential for anyone working in IT and, frankly, for anyone who uses the internet. What Is a VPN? In simple terms, a VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. It allows your data to travel securely, masking your IP address, and ensuring that no one (be it hackers or nosy advertisers) can track or intercept your online activity. Think of it as your personal “cloak of invisibility” in the digital world! 

Troubleshooting Wireless Networks with Ekahau

By Phil Morgan • March 13, 2025
Troubleshooting Wireless Networks with Ekahau: A Professional Engineer’s Guide Wireless networks have become the backbone of modern business infrastructure. From office environments to large-scale enterprises, ensuring a seamless wireless experience is essential for productivity. However, despite advancements in Wi-Fi technology, network performance issues often arise, ranging from signal interference and dead zones to capacity overloads and channel mismanagement. To tackle these issues efficiently, professional engineers rely on powerful tools. One such tool, Ekahau AI Pro, has become a gold standard in the wireless industry for troubleshooting and optimizing Wi-Fi networks. This blog delves into troubleshooting wireless networks using Ekahau tools, providing practical examples and technical insights to guide professional engineers in improving network performance.