[SOLVED] pairing Bluetooth devices

newbiesforever · 05-24-2015, 11:59 AM

My new laptop has a working Bluetooth adapter, unlike the last one, so I have been able to dump the photos I took on my phone. In the Bluetooth monitor I see an option to "pair" the devices. What does that mean? Is there something new I could do if the computer and phone were paired?

camorri · 05-24-2015, 04:50 PM

Quote:

I see an option to "pair" the devices. What does that mean?

You need to "pair" any two devices to allow communication between the two devices. Without devices paired, you can not transfer files. You are making a point to point connection between two devices when you pair them.

Bluetooth is a limited distance wireless connection. You pair the device so you know what device is talking to your computer. Think of this, you take a bus ride with your laptop and phone. How many phones are within 15 feet of you on that crowded bus? Probably 10 to 20, or so. If bluetooth would just connect to any device, you could have some fun looking at what ever was on those phones.

So, pairing controls the communication of two devices, you are authorizing the communication.

Quote:

Is there something new I could do if the computer and phone were paired?

What you can do depends on the applications, and their abilities, on the two devices.

newbiesforever · 05-24-2015, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camorri

You need to "pair" any two devices to allow communication between the two devices. Without devices paired, you can not transfer files. You are making a point to point connection between two devices when you pair them.

Bluetooth is a limited distance wireless connection. You pair the device so you know what device is talking to your computer. Think of this, you take a bus ride with your laptop and phone. How many phones are within 15 feet of you on that crowded bus? Probably 10 to 20, or so. If bluetooth would just connect to any device, you could have some fun looking at what ever was on those phones.

So, pairing controls the communication of two devices, you are authorizing the communication.

What you can do depends on the applications, and their abilities, on the two devices.

I see...doesn't that mean there is no practical need to pair the devices if they will communicate only in my home?

camorri · 05-24-2015, 06:03 PM

They will not communicate until they have been paired once. Most software records the MAC address of the device, so once paired, you don't have to pair it again.

newbiesforever · 05-24-2015, 06:07 PM

That was unexpected, because if they can't communicate unless paired once, then since the photos went through, they must be paired already. I didn't suppose so, because seeing the option to pair them suggested they weren't paired yet.