Bluetooth USB Adapter User Guide

Chapter 7

7

Security

7.1 Authentication

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.

7.2 Authorization

Authorization is Yes-or-No security that requires operator intervention to avoid having the connection time out and fail. Authorization is enabled automatically when Secure Connection is enabled, but it can be turned off on a service-by-service basis for each remote device.

Authorization is limited to:

‧Yes, you may connect (click the balloon to proceed)

‧No, you may not connect (ignore the balloon prompt and the connection will fail).

7.3Bluetooth Device Identity

Every Bluetooth device has a unique Bluetooth Device Address (BDA) assigned to it during the manufacturing process. This address cannot be changed.

The BDA is usually displayed in hexadecimal format; 00:30:4F:03:2E:9F is a valid BDA.

Each Bluetooth device also has a 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.

7.4 Encryption

Encrypting data translates it 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.

7.5 Link Key

A link key is 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 are paired.

After a link key is generated, manual entry of the passkey is not required.

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