BlueZ - Frequently Asked Questions

1. General Questions
1.1 What is BlueZ ? 
BlueZ is official Linux Bluetooth protocol stack. It is an Open Source 
project distributed under GNU General Public License (GPL).
BlueZ kernel is part of the official Linux kernel since version 2.4.6.

1.2 Where can I download BlueZ packages ? 
You can download BlueZ packages from the following web sites:
   http://bluez.sourceforge.net

1.3 Whom do I contact for support ? 
Please send your suggestions, questions and problem descriptions to
BlueZ mailing list bluez-users@lists.sf.net

1.4 Who is developing BlueZ ? 
BlueZ was originally developed by Qualcomm Incorporated. It is now an 
Open Source project with many contributors through out the world. 
Please visit http://bluez.sf.net/CREDITS for list of contributors.

1.5 What platforms are supported ? 
Most platforms supported by 2.4.x and newer Linux kernels.
Please visit http://bluez.sf.net/platforms.html for complete list of
supported platforms and hardware.

1.6 What do I need to use Bluetooth on Linux ? 
You need Linux system with 2.4.x or newer kernel, BlueZ user space packages 
and Bluetooth device.
If you do not have actual Bluetooth device you could use HCI Emulation daemon 
provided in BlueZ-HCIEmu package.

1.7 What Bluetooth protocol and layers are supported by Linux ?
Linux kernel supports core Bluetooth protocols and layers:
   Bluetooth Core (HCI device and connection manager)
   HCI USB, UART, PCMCIA and VHCI (Virtual HCI) drivers
   L2CAP (Reliable datagram protocol)
   RFCOMM (Reliable connection oriented streaming protocol)
   BNEP (Ethernet Emulation)
   SCO (Voice)

BlueZ user space packages provide support for:
   Various Bluetooth utilities and libraries.
   SDP (Service Discovery Protocol)
   PAN (Personal Area Networking)
   LAN (LAN Access over PPP protocol)

1.8 What interfaces are available for Bluetooth applications ? 
Linux provides standard Berkeley socket interface to all Bluetooth layers.
RFCOMM also provides TTY interface.

1.9 Does Linux provide interface to the L2CAP layer ? 
Yes. L2CAP layer provides Berkeley socket interface.

1.10 Does Linux support multiple Bluetooth devices ? 
Yes. You can have several Bluetooth devices connected to one computer.

1.11 Does Linux support multiple Bluetooth connections ? 
Yes. All Linux Bluetooth layers support multiple connections.

1.12 Does Linux have kernel support for RFCOMM protocol ?
Yes. Both RFCOMM socket and TTY interfaces are supported.

1.13 Does Linux support Bluetooth security ?
Yes. Connection and Service (PSM) level security are supported.

1.14 What Bluetooth hardware is supported by Linux ? 
Please visit http://bluez.sf.net for complete list supported platforms 
and hardware.

1.15 Do I still need BlueZ-Kernel package ?
No. You should upgrade to the latest 2.4.x Linux kernel.

1.16 What if I don't want to upgrade but I do want latest Bluetooth features ?
Marcel Holtmann makes patches for some older Linux kernels.
   http://www.holtmann.org/linux/kernel/

1.17 What is 'rfcommd' ? Do I need it ?
RFCOMMd (or rfcommd) is the user space implementation of the RFCOMM protocol.
It was replaced by RFCOMM kernel module and shouldn't be used anymore.

2. Error Messages

If you have any unanswered question please send it to the mailing list 
bluez-users@lists.sourceforge.net
