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Piconet

May 25, 2025

Piconet

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cyber risk assessment insurance cybersecurity best practices define RMM authentication TPRM ecosystem flaw hypothesis methodology high assurance guard 3rd party third-party CISO vulnerabilityWhat is a Piconet?

A Piconet is a small, ad hoc Bluetooth network consisting of two or more devices that operate on the same channel and use the same frequency hopping sequenceIt’s essentially a mini network where devices communicate directly with each other within a limited range. 

Definition

A small Bluetooth network created on an ad hoc basis that includes two or more devices.
SOURCE: SP 800-121

  • Ad hoc network:  formed spontaneously, without needing a central infrastructure. 
  • Bluetooth technology: They utilize Bluetooth protocols for communication.
  • One master, seven slaves: includes one master device and up to seven active slave devices.
  • Shared channel: All devices operate on the same physical channel.
  • Frequency hopping: They employ frequency hopping to minimize interference and improve security.
  • Time-division duplexing: Communication within a piconet uses time-division duplexing (TDD), where the master and slaves communicate in alternating time slots. 

Examples: A cell phone connecting to a headset, or a laptop connecting to a digital camera are examples of piconets. 

  • Overlapping piconets form scatternets: When multiple piconets overlap, they form a scatternet, allowing communication between more than eight devices