Bluetooth PAN Proposal
Abstract:
One of the primary advantages to Nokia Internet Tablets over web-capable phones is the ability to get online regardless of carrier or data service technology. The Tablets do not require a contract or monthly fee. This is a perfect compliment to Smartphones in that the smartphone can provide features not included in the Internet Tablets: calendars, task management, contact management, and the Bluetooth uplink to the Internet.
Some smartphone platforms are ditching the Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking feature in favor of Bluetooth Personal Area Networking. PAN can fully replace and enhance DUN and it is likely that future devices and carriers will support PAN over DUN. The Nokia Internet Tablets currently support DUN only, leaving users with PAN-only phones unable to connect through their phones. They must rely on spotty WiFi hotspot coverage.
To stay future focused, enhance market appeal, and retain current consumer loyalty, it is essential for the Maemo team to add Bluetooth PAN functionality to Nokia Internet Tablets.
Proposal:
Enhance the current Phone applet and Connection Manager to include Bluetooth PAN support. This will include
- The ability for the Bluetooth pairing wizard to detect PAN functionality.
- The ability for the user to select PAN for internet access. Currently, connection types are Packet Data, Data Call, and WiFi. PAN would be added to this.
- Adding seamless connection scripts to the Connection Manager so a PAN connection is as easy as a DUN or WiFi connection.
It is essential that this be added to the main firmware of the tablet to keep behavior consistent for all users.
Technical requirements:
Most of the technical details on adding PAN have already been worked out by users. There are already workarounds that allow users to add their own connection scripts to use a PAN phone. There are disadvantages to these scripts:
- They require firmware modification of the Internet Tablet.
- They require root access on the tablet - something dangerous for novice or intermediate users.
- The scripts are not well documented and may be inconsistent between users or tablets.
The scripts can be used by Maemo developers as a basis on which to deploy this functionality. With all the hard work done, it's just a matter of cleaning up the scripts, creating an installer, and adding a few buttons to the Connection Manager.
Resources:
- https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=1195
- http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=52174&postcount=5
- http://maemo.org/community/wiki/HOWTO-BluetoothNetworking
- http://maemo.org/community/wiki/bluetoothnetworkingandconnectionmanager/