What frequency range does Bluetooth technology typically operate on?

Bluetooth technology primarily operates within the 2.4 GHz frequency range. This frequency band is part of the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) radio bands, which are designated for unlicensed use. The choice of 2.4 GHz allows Bluetooth to achieve a balance between range, data throughput, and power consumption, making it suitable for a wide variety of devices, including headphones, smartphones, and smart home gadgets.

The 2.4 GHz range is advantageous because it provides a sufficient range for most personal area network applications while avoiding excessive power requirements, which is essential for battery-powered devices. Additionally, this frequency range helps facilitate the transmission of data over short distances, typically up to 100 meters, depending on the class of the Bluetooth device.

In contrast, the other options represent frequencies that do not align with Bluetooth's operational specifications. The 5 GHz range is commonly used for wireless networking technologies such as Wi-Fi, but is not utilized by Bluetooth. Frequencies like 1.2 GHz and 850 MHz are outside of the operational parameters for Bluetooth and are typically used for other communication technologies. This delineation underscores why 2.4 GHz is recognized as the standard frequency band for Bluetooth applications.