Spread spectrum is used in Bluetooth wireless personal area networks (WPAN) because it enables which capability?

• A. Increases long-range communications.
• B. Creates a short-range, personal communications network.
• C. Requires line-of-sight for high data rates.
• D. Operates only in a single narrow frequency.

Answer: (B)

Spread spectrum spreads the signal across a wide portion of the spectrum and, in Bluetooth, uses rapid frequency hopping across many channels within the 2.4 GHz band. This approach reduces interference and collisions when several devices operate in the same area, which is exactly what a short-range personal network needs. By hopping among multiple frequencies and keeping transmit power low, Bluetooth can reliably connect nearby devices (headsets, keyboards, phones, etc.) without requiring a large footprint or line-of-sight. It’s this capability to coexist in a dense, nearby environment and form a compact personal area network that spread spectrum enables.