Local connectivity

Bluetooth

The Bluetooth wireless technology is a short range and low power network for data and voice communication in any place of the world. The figure below illustrates the relationships between the different Symbian Bluetooth classes.

For more information, see Transferring data over a Bluetooth connection in the Communication section, and Bluetooth in the Symbian OS Library.

Figure: Bluetooth API

Use the Bluetooth Security Manager to set the appropriate security requirements (authentication, authorization, and encryption) that incoming connections to the device's Bluetooth services must meet. For more information, see Using Bluetooth Security Manager in the Symbian OS Library.

The Bluetooth stack will not by default enforce any particular Bluetooth security for outgoing socket connections. If the remote device requires authentication or encryption to connect, it will be handled automatically by the Bluetooth stack. For more information, see How to use security on outgoing sockets in the Symbian OS Library.

Infrared

Infrared provides a means for short-range communication between devices. Symbian OS implements the Infrared Data Association (IrDA) stack for infrared connections. Infrared connections are handled through general Serial or Socket Server interfaces.

The IrDA standard does not specify any security features for data transfer, but since the devices attempting infrared connection are in visual contact, it is easier to control communication and access to the device. Implement authentication, authorization, encryption, or any other security features needed in the application level.

For more information, see Transferring data over an infrared connection in the Communication section and Infrared in the Symbian OS Library.