Bluetooth a Mile Away

**RobRich** · October 20th, 2004, 03:05 AM

Considering we have experienced several great wireless networking discussions in recent weeks, I thought this might prove interesting:

So I detached the stock antenna from a Linksys USBBT100 Class 1 USB Bluetooth adapter ($70; linksys.com) and replaced it with a larger HyperGain RE05U 2.4GHz antenna ($15; hyperlinktech.com). With that simple mod, I can make a Bluetooth connection up to a mile away—about 4,950 feet farther than most.

Source: http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how2/ar...714017,00.html

**Tekk** · October 20th, 2004, 03:12 AM

that is really cool

Too bad I dont have the soldering confidence yet

Although with such a cheap entrance for such a cool technology its almost worth it!

**kwebb** · October 20th, 2004, 01:43 PM

You'd be wasting your time anyway. That is rubbish.

**FatalException** · October 20th, 2004, 01:46 PM

Why do you say that, kwebb? Do you think the technology is not feasible or just that Bluetooth is useless?

**Tekk** · October 20th, 2004, 02:17 PM

Honestly though....what is the big difference between a bluetooth unit and say a wireless (a/b/g) unit? Is bluetooth faster, more reliable? Why is the equipment so expensive?

Can this same idea be applied to A/B/G access points or broadcasters? Has anyone done a project with an AP that amplifies the power of the signal as much as this one?

**Shabow** · October 20th, 2004, 02:26 PM

I read that in PopSci last night, a very cool idea and article

**CraigK** · October 20th, 2004, 02:57 PM

awesome. I'm a big fan of Bluetooth technology. the distance it was applicable was the only issue IMO.

**FatalException** · October 20th, 2004, 05:11 PM

Hey Tekk, check out this thread for an answer to your question about wireless A/B/G technology: http://www.techimo.com/forum/t124200.html

**RobRich** · October 20th, 2004, 05:24 PM

Why do you say that, kwebb? Do you think the technology is not feasible or just that Bluetooth is useless?

Well, to back up his comment, I can confirm this hack clearly violates FCC rules, not to mention Bluetooth offers rather poor bandwidth and security. However, the article is still worth a read. If nearly one mile can supposedly be achieved using a poorly constructed system, think of the possibilities when utilizing a properly engineered design.

**Bizkitkid2001** · October 20th, 2004, 05:25 PM

Rob, did you here about the world record for hacking into a bluetooth device?

The record is a mile. They showed it on TechTV where they hacked into someones phone and downloaded on their contact info, etc... Then they used the phone they hacked into to send a message to another cell phone.

**FatalException** · October 20th, 2004, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Bizkitkid2001

Rob, did you here about the world record for hacking into a bluetooth device?

The record is a mile. They showed it on TechTV where they hacked into someones phone and downloaded on their contact info, etc... Then they used the phone they hacked into to send a message to another cell phone.

Wow. Glad my cell phone is an oldie GSM one from AT&T... No Bluetooth or anything snazzy like that - I'm lucky it has an IR port! Hooray for anti-hacking through obsolescence.