Bluetooth performance in the presence of 802.11b WLAN

Both Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless communication technology are poised to make a significant impact in many applications. The complementary nature of the two technologies leads to applications enhanced by their collocation and simultaneous operation. Thus heightening the need for understanding the coexistence issues between the two technologies. A method was developed for evaluating the impact an 802.11b network will have on the Bluetooth piconet performance. A three step process was used in this development: characterize the 802.11b interference in a stationary environment, characterize the Bluetooth performance in the presence of a single 802.11b interferer and characterize the Bluetooth performance in an arbitrary 802.11b network environment. Empirical results were used to develop and substantiate the analytical model. The root-mean-square (RMS) difference between the single interferer empirical test results and the analytical model results was 2%. Analysis results, based on a specific range of radio propagation parameters and 802.11b network parameters, are presented.