Once a wireless phenomenon, Bluetooth is part of our everyday lives. Whether you utilize it to talk on the phone in your car or you’ve mistakenly thought someone was addressing you at the grocery store only to see that little device in their ear, Bluetooth is a common technology for today’s wireless user. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) functions similarly, proving network connections in more focused areas. Like any wireless network, these need to function properly and to ensure they do bluetooth and WLAN testers have been created.
So, what is Bluetooth exactly? Bluetooth is a personal area wireless network standard that allows users to connect devices such as cell phones, PDAs, computers, keyboards/mouse, etc. [1] So, what is WLAN? It links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spread-spectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider Internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network. WLANs are popular in the home as they help with installation, and are also popular in commercial buildings as they help provide wireless access to customers; often for free. [2]
How to Test?
Bluetooth can be tested with various hardware (e.g., platforms, adapters, other Bluetooth peripherals, etc.) and software (e.g., operating systems and other applications). Interference testing can also be performed to see how other technologies interact with the connection. It must be certified by the Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTFs) and Bluetooth Qualification Experts (BQEs) as authorized by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).
BQTFs and BRTFs
“Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTFs) and Bluetooth Recognized Test Facilities (BRTFs)​ are testing laboratories recognized by the Bluetooth SIG as being competent to perform Bluetooth qualification tests identified as “Category A and at or below the Host Controller Interface (HCI) level” within the Test Case Reference List (TCRL). These include RF tests, Protocol and Profile Conformance tests and Profile Interoperability tests. The main difference between a BQTF and a BRTF is that the BQTF provides testing to all Bluetooth SIG members, whereas the BRTF can do testing only for its own company.” [5]
Bluetooth and WLAN Testers
Companies such as Anritsu, Agilent and others manufacture products to conduct these types of tests. Anritsu’s Bluetooth Testers provide a full range of test capabilities for all R&D, manufacturing, and field applications. Its 802.11 WLAN Testers include solutions that address all of the major 802.11 standards. [3]
[1] NTS, Bluetooth Testing, http://www.nts.com/services/wireless_radio/bluetooth
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_LAN
[3] http://www.anritsu.com/en-US/Products-Solutions/Test-Measurement/Mobile-Wireless-Communications/Bluetooth-WLAN/index.aspx
[4] http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-846458-pn-N4018C/bluetooth-and-wlan-wireless-test-manager?&cc=US&lc=eng
[5] https://www.bluetooth.org/en-us/test-qualification/product-development-overview/test-your-product
