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Pairing is the process of establishing trust between any two nodes of a wiki(bluetooth) wiki(personal area network) (PAN). This discussion will go into the basics of pairing, and what pairing allows and doesn't allow, per the Bluetooth specification. You can also read my blog on Jabra vs Plantronics to see the instructions for pairing the Jabra to a phone, the instructions for pairing the Plantronics to a phone, the reality of pairing these two devices to my Sony Ericsson T68i, and any oddities, bugs or features discovered by having two headsets paired to one phone.
Pairing creates a secure and automated connection between two devices with Bluetooth radios. The connection is secure due to wiki(encryption) and the use of a "passkey". It is automated as once the pairing is accomplished, the devices will automatically connect upon command. Pairing is also referred to as "creating a trusted pair" or "bonding".
According to the Bluetooth SIG, pairing is constantly evolving and allowing new functions. Some examples given on their website are:
"Your wireless headset connects to the mobile phone in your briefcase. Your handheld automatically synchronizes with your personal computer when you walk in the office. Your mobile phone, handheld, and personal computer all share the same address book, schedule, and to-do list.
"And this is just the beginning. Bluetooth Wireless Technology is now poised to enhance industrial automation, expand gaming possibilities and propel delivery-tracking innovation. A Bluetooth pen, a Bluetooth briefcase, a Bluetooth refrigerator - not only possible, but inevitable and real with Bluetooth Wireless Technology."