This profile is called the Generic Access Profile (GAP). It defines the basic procedures for detecting other Bluetooth devices (idle mode procedures) and link management aspects of connecting to Bluetooth devices (connecting mode procedures). It also defines procedures related to the use of different security levels.

In theory, any two Bluetooth devices should be able to connect at a basic level, since they all support this profile; even if it’s just in order to determine that they don’t share any common functions or applications.

All the other profiles operate on top of the GAP and depend on it. Furthermore, some of these profiles have other profiles located above them.

For example, above the GAP are the Serial Port Profile (SPP), Generic Object Exchange Profile (GOEP), and Synchronization Profile (SP). Many of the most common profiles, such as the Headset Profile (HSP) and Fax Profile rely on the SPP.

So, if you want to synchronize your Bluetooth-enabled PDA with your Bluetooth-enabled computer, both will have to support the GAP, the SPP, the GOEP and the SP. But there’s no need for them to have any of the other profiles (unless of course you want it to do other functions).

Here is a listing of the most commonly used, current Bluetooth profiles:

• Generic Access Profile (GAP)
• Service Discovery Application Profile (SDAP)
• Cordless Telephony Profile (CTP)
• Intercom Profile (ICP)
• Serial Port Profile (SPP)
• Headset Profile (HSP)
• Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN)
• Fax Profile (FAX)
• Generic Object Exchange Profile (GOEP)
• Object Push Profile (OPP)
• File Transfer Profile (FTP)
• Synchronization Profile (SP)

Additional profiles include:

• Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
• Human Interface Device Profile (HID)
• Hard Copy Replacement Profile (HCRP)
• Basic Imaging Profile (BIP)
• Personal Area Networking Profile (PAN)
• Basic Printing Profile (BPP)
• Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
• Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
• SIM Access Profile (SAP)

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