Axis has developed a Bluetooth driver for Linux that can be used both in our eLinux environment as well as on an ordinary Linux PC. The code is developed for a Linux 2.0.33 kernel, but should not prove difficult to fit in the latest kernels. It is still under development though so don't expect fully functional software — especially the integration of the stack within the kernel is fluctuating. Still we know that it works with at least the LAN profile of Bluetooth (PPP over RFCOMM) and provides a simple form of Service Discovery. The source code to Axis' Bluetooth driver is available in the download section at , both in the stand-alone Bluetooth file and the elinux kernel release. All code is released under the GPL (Gnu Public License).

It is our hope that this will be helpful for anyone else considering developing with embedded or mobile Linux using Bluetooth. We will see a massive amount of Bluetooth-enabled devices come out during the year, and this enables Linux to communicate with them. If you are interested in helping, or just want to get the latest buzz, please join the developer mailing-list mentioned below in the FAQ below.

FAQ:

Q — How complete is the code?
A — As of today (Feb 14 2000) the code has support for HCI, L2CAP and RFCOMM. That means that the LAN profile can be used. (PPP over RFCOMM)

Q — How will you support this software?
A — We are going to publish all improvements to the software, that we and others do, at developer.axis.com/download, for the benefit of all free software users. That does not mean that we guarantee any level of support, but of course we will try to help as much as possible.

Q — Will you develop code for other parts of the BT spec?
A — We are going to add voice channels as well.

Q — How can I contact the developers?
A — You can subscribe to the bluetooth-dev mailing-list by sending an email to [email protected] containing this line in the body of the email:


subscribe bluetooth-dev
Q — Can I use anonymous CVS?
A — Not yet, but it is under development. For now, you need to download new releases from the Download section, and send-in patches to the mailing-list.

Bluetooth wireless technology is a de facto standard, as well as a specification for small-form factor, low-cost, short range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones and other portable devices. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group is an industry group consisting of leaders in the telecommunications and computing industries that are driving development of the technology and bringing it to market.

What will Bluetooth deliver to end users? It will enable users to connect a wide range of computing and telecommunications devices easily and simply, without the need to buy, carry, or connect cables. It delivers opportunities for rapid ad hoc connections, and the possibility of automatic, unconscious, connections between devices. It will virtually eliminate the need to purchase additional or proprietary cabling to connect individual devices. Because Bluetooth can be used for a variety of purposes, it will also potentially replace multiple cable connections via a single radio link.

About Axis Communications (www.axis.com)

Axis Communications is a leader in the fast-growing industry of network-attached peripherals. The company designs and manufactures network-attached storage devices, Compact Disc (CD)/Digital Video Disk (DVD) access servers, scan servers, Web camera servers and print servers based on its ThinServer technology. These web-enabled products provide users a cost-effective means to access data and applications, with outstanding performance and ease-of-use.

Founded in 1984, Axis Communications employs 300 people worldwide. Axis has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden and offices in the United States, Asia and Europe.

For further details on ETRAX, visit the Axis developers' web site (developer.axis.com) or contact Axis via e-mail, at [email protected]

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.