Bonding
Bonding refers to the creation of a link key – a bond – between two devices. Bonding is used when a device requires link level security (see “Security” for information on how to do so). When a remote device attempts to connect to the device requiring link level security, the users of both devices will be prompted for a password. They must then enter the same password.
The purpose of bonding is for two devices to be able to identify each other so that no remote device can connect without knowing the right password. This may be convenient if for instance you do not want any other device than your own Bluetooth enabled phone to be able to connect to your computer. Other devices trying to connect will be prompted for the password, which prevents them from interfering in the connection.
The duration of the bonding can be set to last beyond the current link; if so, the two devices will only be prompted for the password the first time they connect, i.e. when creating the bond.
Both when creating the bond and when making use of an existing one, both devices must be in bondable mode. Below you will find information on how to set both bonding mode and duration.
Settings concerning bonding are done in the Bluetooth Neighborhood Properties – Bonding dialog box. To open this:
- On the Bluetooth menu, click Bluetooth Neighborhood Properties.
- Click the tab Bonding.
- In Bluetooth Bonding, you can decide whether or not your device should be able to bond to other devices.
The default setting is bondable mode. Both to be able to establish a new bond and to make use of an existing one, your device has to be in bondable mode.
- In Default Bluetooth Bonding Expiration, you can set bonding to expire when the link is disconnected; after a specified period of time; or never. (The default setting is: Never).
Note: The settings you make in the Bluetooth Neighborhood Properties – Bonding dialog box are default settings that will be applied to all remote devices. For information on how to make settings for the duration of a bond between your device and a particular remote device, see the section “Remote Device Properties” – “Trust”.