How easy is it to connect a bluetooth adapter for a computer? Detailed instructions for selection and use (2018). How to choose a Bluetooth adapter for your computer

Phone

Bluetooth USB adapter

Bluetooth USB adapter - designed to connect to a computer or laptop via a wireless printer, headphones, keyboard or smartphone. The ultra-compact and lightweight Bluetooth USB adapter allows you to connect to a wide variety of Bluetooth devices and transfer data at speeds up to 3 Mbps over distances of 10, 30 or 50 meters. Wide range and favorable prices will allow you to find and buy a Bluetooth adapter for your computer with a suitable version of Bluetooth 2.0, Bluetooth 3.0 or Bluetooth 4.0.

Bluetooth speaker adapter

The Bluetooth Speaker Adapter allows you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet to your audio system via Bluetooth. In NIKS you will find Bluetooth adapters for TP-LINK and Logitech speakers with a range of 10, 15 or 20 meters within line of sight. Excellent performance and affordable prices make Bluetooth speaker adapters a desirable purchase for every music lover. NIKS has Bluetooth adapters for speakers powered from a USB port, as well as models that can store up to 8 devices and allow them to automatically pair with them. Bluetooth speaker adapters are made in a stylish design and compact form factor, they fit well into any interior and take up little space. From the whole variety of models, you can easily choose and buy a Bluetooth speaker adapter with the ability to connect to an audio system with a 3.5 mm Jack or RCA jack and synchronize with a mobile device via Bluetooth or an NFC tag.

Bluetooth headset

A Bluetooth headset is the best option for socializing on the road and while driving - your hands are always free, and your actions are not constrained by wires. In NIKS you can choose and buy a SONY or Plantronics Bluetooth headset with support voice control and the ability to connect to two phones, with a call accept / end button and volume control. When choosing Bluetooth headsets for the phone, pay attention to such characteristics as attachment to the ear - whether it will be an in-ear earpiece or an ear hook, it's up to you. As a rule, Bluetooth headsets, due to their comfortable design, are suitable for wearing both on the right and on the left ear. Here you will find models of wireless headsets with Smart Sensor technology. This function detects when the headset is put on and allows you to answer a call without pressing a key. Bluetooth headsets are comfortable to wear, easy to set up and operate. They are charged via USB, and their battery life can last up to 11 hours of listening to music or talking. Attractive prices will allow you to buy a Bluetooth headset for your phone with the optimal version of Bluetooth 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0 or Bluetooth 4.1, as well as with NFC support. Listen to music, talk in comfort on the phone and enjoy the freedom from wires.

Here you can download bluetooth drivers for a stationary computer, laptop and netbook in order to organize a wireless connection for connecting a PC with other devices using the built-in hardware bluetooth module or a bluetooth adapter such as a flash drive connected via an available USB port. Positive user ratings in reviews and comments in in social networks, on specialized forums and other resources on the Internet, as well as recommendations on how to download the Bluetooth driver for free for Windows 10, 8 .. Permanent link: website / ru / drivers / bt

Understanding Bluetooth technology

If you need to connect your PC to any gadget using the bluetooth protocol, it makes sense to download Broadcom Bluetooth drivers for free for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and put them on your computer, laptop or netbook. This technology allows you to connect to a personal computer the entire range of peripheral devices and equipment with the appropriate wireless information transfer protocol and use it both once and permanently. Of the connected devices, tablets, smartphones, mobile phones, digital photos and video cameras, wireless headphones, speakers, Bluetooth headsets for PCs, bluetooth headsets for phones, speakerphone in a car, mice, joysticks, keyboards, faxes, printers, scanners, GPS receivers, OBD2 ELM327 Bluetooth adapter for car diagnostics and more. Several Bluetooth devices that work on the network are called piconets. Both point-to-point and point-to-multipoint combinations are supported as standard. Before pairing, a PIN must be entered on all active sides. Passive hardware has a built-in PIN.

Among the advantages of this technology, it is worth highlighting the following advantages:

Operational search and connection of devices,
- low energy consumption,
- resistance to radio interference,
- data transfer in parallel,
- high quality voice broadcast,
- 128-bit AES encryption for data protection.

Bluetooth is translated into Russian as "blue tooth". The technology has been developed since 1994 by Erickson Corporation, and since 1998 IBEm, Intel, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba have joined it, forming the Bluetooth SIG. Today, in addition to bluetooth, non-wired substitutes for RS-232 cables such as IrDA infrared communication and Wi-Fi local radio networks are widely used.

Bluetooth adapter and network

A BT adapter is usually a USB device that allows one PC to communicate with other PCs and other devices of the type local network with the ability to transfer data between them. Such data can be, for example, video recordings and photos from a mobile phone, melodies, documents, e-books and more. Also, a BT connection is suitable for connecting to the Internet, for example, via 3G or GPRS, using the modem capabilities of the mobile phone. Bluetooth networks operate in the unlicensed in most countries radio frequency range from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz, where Wi-Fi, radio telephones operate and emit accompanying radiation from microwave ovens, scientific and medical equipment. In the latest specifications of the Wireless personal area network, WPAN, the range of bluetooth networks has been increased to 100 meters, and data is transmitted at a speed of 3 Mbps. The most powerful Host XR from the AIRcable company hits 30 km. The scope of application has no restrictions: from smartphones, headsets, GPS navigators familiar to everyone, to OBD2 ELM327 Bluetooth diagnostic scanners and sensors used in science, sports, medicine.

How to turn on bluetooth, download and install software

Before starting the installation, be sure to make sure that the equipment is working: connect a working USB adapter or activate the Bluetooth module in the laptop BIOS. After the user was able to download bluetooth drivers for free from this page of the site in Russian and began the installation, nothing needs to be configured. Installation takes some time, sometimes you have to wait depending on the hardware. At startup, Bluetooth automatically diagnoses the equipment and analyzes the possibility of establishing a wireless connection, determines the parameters of the peripheral device. Bluetooth equipment on a PC does not always work perfectly, so we recommend that you search for a computer in a BT environment from a trusted tablet or smartphone.

How to turn on bluetooth if there are problems

If there is a problem with installing drivers, then there are two options for solving the problem. The first is to check the operability of the BT device itself, for example, the indicator is off, the computer does not detect it and does not show it in the equipment list. The second is to make sure that the USB port is working properly by connecting any other device to it, for example, a USB flash drive. If the USB port is working properly, then it is worth testing a known working BT adapter on this computer.

As a rule, once installed Bluetooth drivers for data transfer work without problems even if you change the adapter. It is enough to download the Broadcom bluetooth software once to a computer running Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP and install it correctly. Reinstallation or updating of generic bluetooth drivers is usually not required as the technology specification suggests enhanced hardware compatibility.

It happens that there is no way to use USB or another way of exchanging information, and then, of course, the question arises: how to connect a bluetooth adapter for a computer. In this article, you will learn about the nuances when choosing an adapter. And also how exactly you can connect the device.

A small preface

It is already impossible to meet a person who would not hear and know about what bluetooth is.

Most of us even remember the appearance and existence of infrared ports, and how it was impossible to move away from each other more than ten meters, so that the bluetooth connection would not be cut off.

And if earlier bluetooth was used only for transferring files, then over time it entered our life as a completely convenient and functional thing for communication, listening to music, using various programs and devices at a distance.

And it is not surprising that a modern person who knows about such opportunities does not miss the chance to take advantage of all the charms of bluetooth. It's profitable, it's convenient, and it's easy.

But setting up a connection between, for example, a phone and headphones is easy, but what to do when you need to, for example, connect them to a computer or laptop, but the device does not have such a function?

But doing cleaning and talking on Skype, for example, is many times more convenient than sitting in front of a monitor with a webcam or clutching the phone with your shoulder.

Therefore, today we will easily learn how to choose the right bluetooth adapter for a computer, we will learn how to connect a bluetooth adapter to a computer, and why in general it can be useful to you. So let's go.

Why do I need Bluetooth?

Let's start with the fact that, after, of course, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is the most common method of wireless transmission and one of the most important wireless communication systems.

Only if Wi-Fi is one of the most important systems for accessing the Internet, then Bluetooth, in turn, has established itself as the most efficient way to transfer information over short distances.

And if earlier such a transmission was available only at a distance of up to 10 meters, now it is limited to a length of 60 meters.

It would seem that this is a lot, but sometimes it is still not enough. But for the basic functions of Bluetooth, this is the optimal distance, and these functions are as follows:

First of all, as it was ten years ago, Bluetooth is used to transfer files;
Receiving and sending various kinds of signals and commands, which allows you to control devices from a distance;
It can be used in conjunction with digital cameras to take finished pictures from the device;
Headphones and any other wireless headset are connected via Bluetooth.

If there is a need to do something from this list using a computer, then, most likely, you will not find the service itself, installed and ready to work, there.

In order for the bluetooth to work and work correctly, you need, first of all, to choose a bluetooth adapter suitable for your computer.

In principle, despite the fact that bluetooth was originally created for phones, now a fairly large number of modern laptop computers or factory-assembled computers are already equipped with Bluetooth systems, and this greatly facilitates the work.

But this function is not available in all models, moreover, if your computer experienced assembly and upgrade, most likely, there are simply no such services in it.

In such cases, you need to be able to correctly select and install a Bluetooth adapter.

Before you start choosing the right adapter, you must first determine what exactly you need it for.

So, for example, if a gamer needs wireless headphones while playing, he doesn't need to buy an adapter with a range of, say, 50 meters.

The same applies to a person who, for example, is at a great distance from his laptop and is engaged in children or business. Then he needs the maximum range of the bluetooth adapter.

The same applies to the adapter itself, which are:

Internal
External

External adapters

Already from the name you can understand what is inserted and where. External - for the USB port.

Such a thing looks like an ordinary flash drive, or even as part of a wireless mouse, and is inserted into any free slot.

If you do not plan to touch it, then you can insert it, for example, behind the system unit, but if you have a laptop, then it will be easy and quick to connect such an adapter.

Internal adapters

The second type of adapter must be connected to motherboard via PCI slot.

In principle, such a thing can be put by any handy person or computer master, it will stand for a long time and reliably, and it will work invariably when the computer is on.

Adapter profiles

Another difference between adapters is in profile support.

For example, if a person wants to access the Internet using a Bluetooth module, he will use the Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN) or LAN Access Profile (LAP), respectively, he will need to buy an adapter with such a profile.

And exactly the same situation will be with the transmission of audio or video signals, where the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) will be needed. That is, when choosing and buying an adapter, depending on the purpose, you also need to pay attention to this.

So, in order, for example, to control devices from a distance, or even a remote control from a TV, you will need an Audio / Video profile Remote control Profile (AVRCP), if you need to control a wireless headset or make calls from a distance, then the required profile will be the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) or Headset Profile (HSP).

All this is very important, because choosing the wrong profile will end up with a useless Bluetooth adapter.

In general, before buying an adapter, you need to decide on its purpose.

There are Bluetooth adapters of different colors and sizes, different power, different range and transmission speed, there are even options that can be combined in your Wi-Fi module. And even the latter differ from each other.

In addition, the higher the version of the adapter, the more new or improved functions it contains, which should also be noted.

By the way, if you are interested in the price of such an adapter, then, again, it all depends on your choice.

The simplest, undemanding, first versions and with a minimum of functions can hardly cost more than a dollar, the best - more than a hundred bucks.

Moreover, the cost can vary from color, and from size, and from the manufacturer.

Now that you have decided which adapter you need, and maybe even purchased the one you need, the question arises about how to properly connect it to a computer or headset.

How to connect a Bluetooth adapter for a computer and a headset?

So, if the adapter has already been purchased, it remains only to correctly connect it to your PC or laptop. the desired device, if, of course, there is such a thing at all. After all, you can buy a Bluetooth headset for completely different purposes.

The first step, of course, is to connect the Bluetooth adapter either to the USB port of your choice or to the PCI slot. After that, you need to install the driver.

Very often, the driver is included with the adapter itself, in the kit, even more often this very driver can be found on the manufacturer's website.

In some cases, after a restart, the computer itself recognizes the device, finds the necessary drivers and installs them on its own.

But if it passed unnoticed, and you still doubt whether the headset will work, you can check the presence of the driver in a few movements:

Exit to the desktop and hold down the "Start + R" key combination. This will allow us to go to the equipment manager to make sure everything is in place.
In the window that appears, you need to write devmgmt.msc and then press Enter. This will run the command we need to find
Now a list of various devices has opened before us, among which all that remains is to find the one we need

If you see Bluetooth in the list, then everything is in order with the drivers.

If the inscription "Unknown device" flaunts there, then most likely you will have to go to the developer for firewood, since each version / model of the bluetooth adapter has its own drivers and settings.

Finally, after you are convinced. That the drivers are all right, you need to turn on the headset.

Connecting a headset

After installing the driver, a Bluetooth icon should appear in the lower right - a signal that the program is running and ready to work.

So, we start directly Bluetooth itself:

The icon that appears must be right-clicked. A window will appear with the following items:
Add device;
Allow device connection;
Show Bluetooth devices;
Join a personal network;
Open parameters;
Disconnect the adapter;
Delete icon.

Of course, we can choose any of these items, but now we are interested in exactly "Open parameters"... What we do by clicking the left mouse button on the desired item.
A window will open with several tabs, among which we need to select "Options".
In this tab, put a check mark in the "Discovery" section, allowing Bluetooth devices to find your computer.
Now go to the tab "Sharing" and tick the permission to search, send and receive media files.

All! Your Bluetooth adapter is now fully connected to your computer and ready to go. Its further use depends only on the purpose for which, in fact, you chose it.

The adapter is activated, visible to devices and is in working condition, now you just have to connect the necessary device to it. How, you ask? Well, let's find out.

How to connect your device to Bluetooth on PC?

I thought about this article for a long time, then put it off, but now I decided to write it. I even specially bought a Bluetooth adapter to check everything and prepare the most useful article. As you might guess from the name, in this article I will tell you about Bluetooth adapters for computers. Let's find out what they are for, what they are, how to choose, connect and use.

What is Bluetooth, I think I know everything. It is enough to know that this is a wireless technology for exchanging data between different devices over short distances. Nowadays, the Bluetooth module is built into a large number of different devices. It is found in almost every phone, tablet, laptop. There are also many devices that support Bluetooth connectivity. These are printers, headphones, joysticks, mice, etc.

And if in laptops this wireless module is built-in from the factory (except for some models, mostly old), and it is quite simple to turn it on (see) and you can use it, but in stationary computers there is no Bluetooth. Again, except in cases when you have a motherboard with an integrated Bluetooth module, or it was installed separately when assembling the system unit.

It is important to understand that this is not just a driver, or a program that can be downloaded from the Internet and everything will work. (as many people think)... It is a separate device (module).

To check if there is Bluetooth on your computer, just go to the device manager and see if there is a corresponding adapter in a separate section, or in the "Network adapters" section.

Rarely, but there are times when this adapter is not in the device manager, but it is in the computer. The driver is simply not installed. In such a case, there must be unknown devices. Or "Bluetooth Peripheral" on the "Other Devices" tab.

It seems to me that if your computer had Bluetooth, you would know for sure about it. I don't think he is. And hence the question: "what to do if the computer does not have Bluetooth, but you need it?"

The solution is very simple - choosing and buying an external USB Bluetooth adapter. There are also PCI adapters that are connected inside the system unit, into a PCI slot on the motherboard. But there are not many of them on the market, and they are usually paired with a Wi-Fi module.

Why do you need Bluetooth adapters for a PC and what are they?

After purchasing and connecting such an adapter to a computer, we will be able to connect a variety of devices to it via Bluetooth. These are mice, keyboards, headphones, headsets, joysticks (including DualShock and Xbox Wireless Controller), printers, speakers, cameras, etc. You can also exchange files with other computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets. However, transferring files this way is not very convenient.

Basically, this is connecting peripheral devices without cables. It's much more convenient that way. Take the same headphones. If you connect them to a computer via Bluetooth, then you can freely move around the room, or even around the apartment and listen to music. And with the cable it won't work. Or by connecting a headset, you can communicate via Skype and you don't have to sit near the computer itself.

The most popular, inexpensive and widespread are USB adapters. They look like a regular flash drive. There are very small ones that are great for both PCs and laptops. For my computer, I bought one of these adapters - Grand-X Bluetooth 4.0. It looks like this:

And there are also these:

As you can see, there are options with external antennas. Antenna provides a stronger signal and a more stable connection.

There are a lot of these adapters on the market. A particularly large number of them can be found in Chinese online stores. But I still advise you to buy those adapters that are attached to our market. From less well-known manufacturers. We will talk about how to choose the right Bluetooth adapter for your PC later in this article.

Choosing a Bluetooth adapter for your computer

You can open a new tab in your browser right now and look at a selection of Bluetooth adapters in some popular online store. I think you will immediately see that the price for them is very different. There are both very cheap models and expensive ones. And it's not just that. The price in this case depends not only on the brand, but also on the characteristics and capabilities of the adapter itself.

When choosing a Bluetooth adapter, I advise you to navigate by the following parameters:

Here is a photo of the characteristics of my adapter:

Be guided by the parameters that I wrote about above. I think that this information will be enough for you in order to choose a normal and suitable Bluetooth adapter for your computer.

The main thing is not to rush. Read the reviews. Examine the characteristics. I also advise you not to buy the cheapest adapters. Especially if you need an adapter for connecting good Bluetooth headphones, for transferring files, connecting a joystick, etc. Not only are they of poor quality, but also an outdated version. Yes, they can be much cheaper. But it is possible that you will simply throw it away later, or go to the store.

For example, the STlab B-122 adapter. Only costs a little over two dollars (and this is in our stores)... But there is Bluetooth version 2.0 with support for voice mode and a bunch of different problems when connecting with other devices. Yes, it will work, but not for all tasks. You may also have to tinker with finding suitable drivers. I do not recommend buying such cheap adapters at all. And do not take version 2.0.

The one that I chose - Grand-X Bluetooth 4.0 (BT40G), costs almost $ 9. But there is already a version of Bluetooth 4.0, first class and good reviews. There are even more expensive models. For example, Trust 4.0 Bluetooth adapter. And cheaper ones are F&D BD-10 and STlab 4.0 (B-421). If you are used to trusting more popular companies, you can check out the ASUS USB-BT400.

How to use the adapter?

Just plug it into your computer's USB port.

And if you're lucky (like me), then Windows will automatically recognize the Bluetooth adapter and you can immediately connect the devices. In my case, Windows 10 was installed. The adapter from Grand-X was detected immediately and appeared in the device manager.

And the "Bluetooth" icon appeared on the notification bar. By clicking on which you can add new devices, send / receive a file, open settings, etc.

It is clear that depending on the adapter and installed on the computer operating system, it may not be detected automatically. And you have to install the driver manually. But the adapter usually comes with a disc included. If the drivers from the disk do not work, then you need to look for them on the Internet. It is advisable to download from the manufacturer's official website. True, this is not always possible.

If you already have an adapter, you connected it and everything works, then the article may come in handy. Using her example, you can see how to connect Bluetooth devices to a computer with installed Windows 10.

I look forward to hearing from you in the comments. Write, my article came in handy or not. Maybe I missed something and I need to supplement it. Good luck!

The need to install a bluetooth adapter for a computer arises when you need to quickly move information between different devices. For example, between a desktop PC and a mobile phone.

Bluetooth technology provides a fairly high data transfer rate and, unlike Wi-Fi, does not require the use of an additional software and server settings. To connect several devices, it is enough to buy a special adapter, connect it to a computer and configure it.

The principle of operation and configuration of the bluetooth adapter for PC

The appearance of most adapters for connecting to a computer or laptop (on which bluetooth support is also rare) resembles a small USB flash drive. Some are even smaller.

And to amplify the signal, these devices can be fitted with a small antenna adding 2-5 dBi. Built-in bluetooth adapters are cards that connect inside a PC (usually to a PCI slot) and sometimes provide a wireless connection using Wi-Fi technology.

Figure: 1. Options for bluetooth adapters.

Most adapters are installed and configured automatically upon connection. Some require manual setting... Moreover, to enable them, you even need to go to the device manager menu, find the corresponding item, find out its ID and download the appropriate driver from the network.

Figure: 2. Manual installation of drivers on the adapter that was not detected automatically.

BlueTooth technology is based on radio communication and allows two devices to be connected to each other almost invisibly to the user. The advantages of using an adapter are:

direct connection, even if there are obstacles between devices;
the ability to install on any PC or laptop with a USB port 2.0 and more modern versions of the connector;
a wide range of devices at an affordable price;
default presence on most tablets and almost every smartphone.

The disadvantages of the device include a relatively low speed compared to a wireless Wi-Fi connection. In addition, most models transmit data over a short distance. Although when purchasing an adapter with an amplifier, you can increase the distance to several tens of meters - the result is impressive even for a Wi-Fi adapter.

Device classification

Bluetooth adapters are primarily classified by range:

older models, class 4, are capable of connecting two devices, the distance between which does not exceed 2–5 meters;
class 3 devices provide connections at a distance of 5 to 10 m;

Figure: 3. Standard Bluetooth class 2 modules with a distance of up to 10 m.

Class 2 adapters allow you to connect if the distance between your computer and another gadget does not exceed 50 m;
the first class, which printers, modems and base stations are equipped with, makes it possible to transfer data within a radius of 100 m from the adapter.

Using antennas that amplify the signal increases the distance. At the same time, devices of the same class provide connection in different ways in different conditions. Since both the range and the stability of the connection depend not only on the characteristics of the adapter, but also on the configuration of the premises, and on the material of the enclosing structures.

Features of the bluetooth adapter

You can use USB Bluetooth adapters in the following situations:

to transfer information from mobile device to a computer or vice versa. This opportunity is especially useful in the absence of a data cable for connecting devices and if it is impossible to use Wi-Fi for this (a technology that is not supported on older phones);
for wireless connection of two computers within range of the bluetooth adapter;
for connecting a printer, digital camera, headphones and other devices to a computer.

In most cases, using Bluetooth technology instead of Wi-Fi or cable will increase the distance that connected devices can be. For example, it is possible to connect two computers in this way, even if they are in neighboring rooms and even apartments.

And if necessary, transfer data from mobile phone old model (with a special cord format for connecting, like samsung models or Sony Ericsson), this may be the only option available. The only alternative is to buy a special cord, the cost is higher than that of the adapter.

Figure: 4. Cable for connecting Sony Ericsson phones with a PC.

Features of choosing an adapter

Before choosing a bluetooth adapter for your computer, you should make sure that it is not included in the device package. Desktop computers usually do not support wireless technology. And to check for Bluetooth on a laptop, you can:

check for the presence of the corresponding symbol on the keyboard;

Figure: 5. Keys to enable the bluetooth module on the laptop.

Open the device manager and check for the module. The same option is also suitable for a stationary personal computer, although usually their owners already know about the installed boards and adapters.

After confirming the need to purchase a device, they proceed to its selection, focusing on three main parameters. The first is the protocol supported by the adapter. The second is the range of the device. And, finally, the third is the price, due to both the class and the manufacturer, and the protection from external influences.

Selecting the device protocol

The availability of several generations of bluetooth adapters on the market makes it difficult to choose the right model. Moreover, according to the information on the pages of online stores, it is difficult to navigate which device can be considered new and which is already outdated.

Figure: 6. One of the outdated adapter models that can still be found on sale.

It should be noted that the speed of data transfer, and the stability of the connection, and the price depend on the adapter protocol. Latest versions, 4.1 and above, not only allow you to connect any devices without connection problems, but also provide stable data transmission without interruptions and failures, and even consume less power.

In addition, when you leave the range of the adapter and return to it, the connection is restored automatically. And modern devices can support the connection of several gadgets at the same time.

Range selection

When choosing an adapter, one of the main factors is its range of action. Given the fact that the increase in range is proportional to the increase in the price of the device, it is not necessary to buy a first-class model, the cost of which is noticeably higher. Especially when it comes to home use, where the distance between devices rarely exceeds 10 meters.

For home and small office adapters of class 2 or 3, as a rule, do not have an antenna, and are in the price range up to 200-300 rubles. For large premises, it is advisable to choose class 1 models that support the 4.0 and 4.1 protocols - in addition to a range of more than 50 meters, they will also provide a speed of at least 3 Mbit / s. Their cost can reach 1000 rubles.

Adapters with built-in antennas are even more expensive. Most often they provide two types of wireless communication at the same time - both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Their cost can exceed 2000 rubles, but the functionality is much higher. With the help of such equipment, information will be guaranteed to be transmitted to any device - to a laptop, to a smartphone, and to another computer with a built-in adapter and supporting wireless technology.

Figure: 7. Bluetooth adapters with a signal amplifying antenna.

Other selection features

In addition to the range and protocol of the BlueTooth adapter, when choosing, attention is paid to such characteristics as:

type of connection to the computer;
equipment manufacturer;
functionality;
strength;
price.

The price range is important for those users for whom the data transfer rate and range do not matter. To connect devices located in the same room, any device is enough, even with protocol 1.2 or 2.0. With constant transfer of large files and a distance exceeding 10-15 meters, it is advisable not to save money, but to purchase an adapter that supports the transmission technology Bluetooth 4.0 or 4.1.

Durability matters if the device is constantly carried and installed on different computers or laptops. For the same situations, the purchase of a gadget connected to the USB port is required. If the instrument is intended to be used on only one computer, you can select the in-board model. Moreover, such adapters can also provide Wi-Fi.

Popular manufacturers of bluetooth adapters are 3Com, Intel, 4World, Tracer, Broadcom, Atheros and GSM-Support. And among the brands, the assortment of which is represented by budget models, it is worth noting the brands Trust and StLab.

Compatibility of adapters may also depend on the manufacturer - for example, 3Com devices come with their own drivers, which are not always detected automatically. Although most models from other companies do not even require adjustment.

Popular models

Today in online stores you can find the following Bluetooth adapters:

among budget options differing minimum prices, but also a low data transfer rate (protocol 2.0): Tekram TM-303, STLab B-122 and CLiPtec ZB626;
in the middle price range and with support for protocols 4.0 and 4.1: Grand-X BT40G, IOGEAR GBU521 and STLab B-421;

Figure: 8. Model of adapter Grand-X BT40G costing about 600 rubles.

among the relatively inexpensive models that provide both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and connect via a USB 2.0 port: Edimax EW-7611ULB (Wi-Fi up to 150 Mbit / s, Bluetooth - 3 Mbit / s).

If you need to provide both types of wireless connection, you should pay attention to the Intel 7265NGW.AC, Intel 7260HMW.AN and ASUS PCE-AC55BТ models, which support data transfer at speeds up to 867 Mbps for Wi-Fi and up to 3 Mbps for Bluetooth. Devices connect to M2 and PCI-E ports.

conclusions

The use of bluetooth adapters allows you to practically do without a wired connection of devices to each other to transfer information. This not only improves the convenience of sharing files, but also eliminates the need to purchase data cables with different connectors for each individual gadget.

At the same time, the purchase of an adapter does not require either large expenses or a significant investment of time to configure them. Automatic device detection does not require any action from the user at all. And even with manual update it hardly takes more than 10 minutes.