Bluetooth Profiles

Bluetooth (application) profiles refer to the standard usage models of Bluetooth, as defined by the Bluetooth SIG. They are used as a reference for creating services in Bluetooth devices. They are also used as the basis for interoperability test between Bluetooth devices from different manufacturers.

Bluetooth profiles are modified from time to time based on industry trends and consumer demands. The profiles can be seen in below picture:

Figure: Bluetooth profiles according to the Bluetooth SIG

Four basic profiles are as follows:
Generic Access Profile (GAP), the foundation for all other profiles, enables device discovery and provides access and security supports to other profiles.
Serial Port Profile (SPP), enables the connection of two Bluetooth devices as though a serial (RS-232) cable were used. SPP supports applications that use serial ports.
Service Discovery Application Profile (SDAP), enables a Bluetooth device to discover services supported by another Bluetooth device.
Generic Object Exchange Profile (GOEP). This profile is adopted from IrDA OBEX protocol. It supports all object exchange operations between Bluetooth devices.

Other profiles are dependent on the basic profiles above. They are as follows:
Dial-Up Networking (DUN) Profile
Fax Profile
LAN Access Profile (LAP)
Personal Area Networking (PAN)
Headset Profile
Audio Gateway
Human Interface Device (HID)
Hardcopy Cable Replacement Profile (HCRP)
Object Push Profile (OPP)
File Transfer Profile (FTP)
Synchronization Profile

Meanwhile, TCS binary-based profile defines how to establish a voice call between two Bluetooth devices. It is to be used for creating a 3-in-1 phone. This profile supports Cordless Telephony Profile that allows a mobile phone to function as a cordless telephone that communicates over fixed telephone network (PSTN) when near a Bluetooth access point and Intercom Profile that allows a mobile phone to function as an intercom that communicates over Bluetooth radio link with other mobile phones.

To find description of each profile, click on each link above or follow the navigation button below.