Bluetooth-based ad-hoc networks for voice transmission

In this paper we inspect the possibilities of using Bluetooth for building ad-hoc networks suitable for transmitting audio and esp. voice data using synchronous SCO links. We analyze the features or problems that Bluetooth offers for transmitting audio data in a multihop network. As the existing MANET routing protocols that emerged out of the work of the IETF MANET WG (like AODV, DSR etc.) cannot be directly used to work with Bluetooth, we present a new routing protocol called Bluetooth scatternet routing (BSR) that is influenced by other MANET routing protocols but pays special attention to the restrictions of Bluetooth (like number of connections, connection setup times etc.). The protocol is also inspired by the channel switching concept of ATM. Some initial results of simulations and real-life tests give an impression of the performance and efficiency this protocol can reach in an application scenario.