Authentication is used to verify identity; it requires a passkey or Link Key from the remote device. When a remote device attempts access a visual and/or audio warning notifies the local operator.
If the notification is ignored, access is denied after a preset timeout.
When devices are "paired," those devices automatically exchange a Link Key and Authentication is carried out without operator intervention.
Every Bluetooth device has a unique Bluetooth Device Address (BDA) assigned to it during the manufacturing process. This address cannot be changed by the end-user.
A device's BDA is usually displayed in hexadecimal format; 00:D0:B7:03:2E:9F is a valid BDA.
Each Bluetooth device also has an operator-configurable, user-friendly name to help distinguish it from other devices. The user-friendly name may be up to 99 alphanumeric characters in length and may contain spaces. My Personal Computer is a valid user-friendly name.
Encrypting translates data into an unreadable format using a secret key or password. Decrypting the data requires the same key or password that was used to encrypt it.
A unique, internally generated, access code based on a passkey, the Bluetooth Device Address and an internally generated random number. Link Keys are generated automatically when devices Pair.
After a link key is generated, manual entry of the passkey is not required.
Pairing allows you to avoid entering access information each time a connection is attempted. Paired devices share a unique Link Key, which they exchange each time they connect.
NOTE: The mate of a
pair will always appear in
My Bluetooth Places,
even if the mate is not
turned on or is out of
connection range.
Paired devices remain paired even when:
One of the devices is not powered up.
A service connection is interrupted or the service stopped.
Passkeys are also called Personal Identification Numbers, or PIN codes. A passkey is an alphanumeric string of up to 16 characters. A passkey may be required if the Secure Connection option is enabled for a Bluetooth service or program.
You will require a passkey or link key each time you attempt to make a connection. All data exchanged over the Bluetooth connection is encrypted. Depending on other configuration options, authorization may also be required.
If you have Secure Connection enabled, a Bluetooth Passkey Request and/or Bluetooth Authorization dialog box may appear when you attempt to make a connection. To proceed, click the balloon.
