Encryption for Bluetooth security

Question

What type of encryption will be employed for Bluetooth security?

Answer 1

The Bluetooth specification 1.0 depicts the link encryption algorithm such as a stream cipher by using 4 LFSR (linear feedback shift registers). The total of the width of the LFSRs is 128, and the spec says “the effective key length is selectable among 8 and 128 bits”. This arrangement allows Bluetooth to be employed in countries with regulations limiting encryption strength, and “facilitate a future upgrade path for the security without the need for a costly redesign of the algorithms and encryption hardware” according to the Bluetooth specification. Key generation & authentication appear to be using the 8-round SAFER+ encryption algorithm. The information obtainable suggests that Bluetooth security will be enough for most purposes; but users with higher security requirements will have to employ stronger algorithms to ensure the security of their data.