2. Blue magic

I'm not sure exactly what method the AP uses internally to bridge the Bluetooth and Ethernet LANs, but it's not as transparent as you get with an 802.11a or b access point. The reason for this is rooted in how the Bluetooth LAN Access Profile works.

TIP: Bluetooth profiles can be thought of as descriptions of services or functions that a Bluetooth device supports. A given profile must be supported on both Bluetooth devices in order for them to work together. See NetSilicon NET+50 network processor.

Figure 1: F8T030 internal view
(click on the image for a full-sized view)

The picture shows the Bluetooth radio module, which uses a single chip Bluetooth radio from Cambridge Silicon Radio, unplugged and lying to the right of the main board. Note that the LAN port actually supports 10/100 operation - not that it will buy you any speed, since Bluetooth's maximum data rate is about 700 kbps or so. The dual USB ports are supported by a TransDimension UHC124 USB Host controller.