Devices communicating by means of Bluetooth wireless technology run the risk of causing and encountering interference in environments where other wireless technologies are in use. Wireless LAN and other applications based on the IEEE 802.11 specification are the most relevant examples of such technologies. These operate in the same unlicensed 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) radio band as does Bluetooth.
To improve performance in these environments, a technique known as Adaptive Frequency Hopping has been introduced by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) to diminish the impact of such interference. Also referred to as AFH, this technique can be implemented through various methods, each with its own inherent set of advantages and drawbacks. Ericsson, a leader in the field of Bluetooth wireless technology, uses a method well suited for its broad based Bluetooth design solution sold as intellectual property (IP). Ericsson's implementation of AFH is further enhanced through the use of other standard and proprietary techniques, providing excellent audio quality for voice centric applications in the presence of multiple wireless technologies.