Bluetooth vs RF
What is RF?
RF stands for radio frequency. It is an alternating current that if input to an antenna, an electromagnetic field is generated that can be used for wireless broadcasting and/or communications. The field is referred to as an RF field or a radio wave.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth takes its name from Harald Bluetooth, a Viking and former King of Denmark who was renowned for his ability to help people communicate. Most notably he united Denmark and Norway.
Today Bluetooth is a technology that unites different types of electronic equipment from various manufacturers enabling them to communicate with each other without the use of wires.
In the mobile phone market Bluetooth wireless technology connects headsets to phones, giving the user a true hands-free experience and a greater sense of freedom. Why not try our Bluetooth Leitner LH370 Headset to use with your office systems?
Safe and secure
Bluetooth is safe. It utilizes radio signals 1000 times weaker than the standard wireless technologies used by mobile phones. It is secure too, so once a connection has been made no-one can listen in and there is no interference from other Bluetooth devices either. It works over distances up to 33 feet and connected units do not need to have line of sight.
Easy to use
Headsets are connected to phones using a procedure called "pairing." By following a few simple steps, a phone can be paired with a headset in a matter of minutes.
Bluetooth Headsets vs RF Headsets
Bluetooth technology runs on 2.4GHz RF. Most Bluetooth headsets run with Class 2 Bluetooth, which provides a range of up to 33 feet. There are a couple of Class 1 Bluetooth headsets that have ranges up to 300 feet. Bluetooth headsets are generally small and worn on or in the ear. Generally they are better for use with cell phones.
There are some stations that allow you to use your Bluetooth headset with your office phone for a wireless connection. Some of these, like the Sennheiser VMX office, utilize both Class 2 and Class 1 Bluetooth. Class 2 with your cell phone, for a 33 feet range and Class 1 with your office phone for a 200 foot range.
Other RF wireless headsets run on different frequencies, from 900MHz to 3.2GHz. Sometimes you can run into interference with the 900MHz headsets and cordless phones and the 2.4GHz headsets and WiFi connections. But for the most part, if you are just using the headset with an office phone, the connections are crystal clear and allow ranges of up to 300 feet. Our most popular RF wireless headset is the Leitner LH270. It features active noise cancellation which eliminates background noise making it the perfect RF headset for your noisy home office.
We're Here to Help
If you need further help assessing your needs, or have more questions regarding the difference between bluetooth and RF headsets, our Headset Advisors are always happy to talk. Just call 1-800-HEADSETS (432-3738) or email info@headsets.com.