Bluetooth was created for replacing the cable, accessing the infrastructure, and accomplishing ad-hoc networking. Bluetooth technology of cable replacement and infrastructure access is verified enough to commercialize as goods. But even basic scheme for ad-hoc radio network is not prepared. To implement ad-hoc Bluetooth networks, scatternet must be constructed. Scatternet extends the piconet that is a group communication network up to 8 devices and supports the environment of genuine mobile communication.
We propose routing layer, packet format, and fast route discovery scheme for scatternet with reduced initial start-up time. DSR based RREQ and RREP paging eliminate the procedure of inquiry and master-slave role switching. The route discovery time could be lower than 50msec within the distance of 50m. Proposed link formation scheme let master, slave and bridge establish connection automatically and offers active ad-hoc environment.
Through these schemes, devices that embed Bluetooth module of 10m transmission range can communicate other devices out of range of a few dozens meter without any intervention from users. Intermediate Bluetooth units in the scatternet know naturally that it is master, slave or bridge, and establish connection, so it ensures convenience for user.