Bluetooth 4.2 standard firmly established as wireless standard for the Internet of Things (IoT)

December 4, 2014 – The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced the formal adoption of the new Bluetooth Core Specification Version 4.2. Key updates in Version 4.2 include enhanced security, faster data rates, and IP connectivity enabled by a new profile soon to be ratified. Bluetooth Version 4.2 opens new opportunities for developers, OEMs, and the industry as a whole, enabling previously unimagined use cases while delivering superior user experiences to consumers.

“Bluetooth 4.2 continues the evolution of Bluetooth Smart to become the best solution for connecting all the technologies in our lives, from personal sensors to the connected home. In addition to improving the specification itself, a new profile, IPSP, opens up entirely new possibilities for device connectivity by enabling IPv6 over Bluetooth,” said Mark Powell, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth Smart is the only technology that can scale with the market, provide developers with the flexibility to innovate, and serve as a foundation for the Internet of Things (IoT).”

Privacy and Security

Bluetooth 4.2 introduces industry-leading privacy features to the Bluetooth specification that reduce power consumption and go beyond government-level security features. These new privacy features put privacy control back in the hands of consumers, making it impossible for eavesdroppers to track their devices through unauthorized Bluetooth connections. For example, when shopping at a beacon-equipped store, the beacon cannot track you unless you have authorized the beacon to connect to your device.

speed

The new Bluetooth version 4.2 improves the speed and reliability of data transfer between Bluetooth Smart devices. With the increased Bluetooth Smart packet capacity, devices can transfer data 2.5 times faster than previous versions. The improved data transfer speed and increased packet capacity reduce the possibility of transmission errors and reduce battery consumption, resulting in a more efficient connection.

Internet connectivity

Building on the capabilities previously announced in Bluetooth 4.1 and building on the new features announced in 4.2, the Internet Protocol Support Profile (IPSP) enables Bluetooth Smart sensors to connect directly to the Internet via IPv6 and 6LoWPAN. This IP connectivity makes it possible to manage Bluetooth Smart “edge” devices using existing IP infrastructure, making it ideal for connected home scenarios that require personal and wide-area management. The profile is expected to be approved later this year.

Additional information, including technical details, tools, and frequently asked questions about the latest Bluetooth 4.2 version and IPSP, can be found at www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth4-2 .