LOGI

BOLT
Secure, robust
wireless connections
Contents

Introducing Logitech's new 1 Features and performance 6

standard for secure, robust
wireless connectivity
Recommendations for deploying 8
and optimizing the performance of
Logi Bolt wireless technology at 1 Logi Bolt wireless products
a glance
Plug-in options for your Logi Bolt USB
The foundation of Logi Bolt wireless receiver
technology—Bluetooth® Low
How to pair additional devices to a
Energy protocol
Logi Bolt USB receiver
Robust connectivity even in
Ensuring sufficient spacing between
congested wireless environments
multiple Logi Bolt setups
Optimized power
Determining the maximum user
consumption technology
density
Pair multiple Logi Bolt devices to a
Laptop setup recommendations
single receiver
Optimizing your wireless environment

Security and encryption 4

Connecting via Bluetooth® 14
Logi Bolt technology is fully encrypted
and FIPS compliant

Enforced LE Secure Connection (LESC) The Logitech promise 15

Safeguarding security updates with

anti-rollback DFU

Logi Bolt
Introducing Logitech's new standard for
secure, robust wireless connectivity
Your Logi Bolt wireless peripherals have been delivered and are
ready for deployment. But how should you proceed? This guide
contains best practices and provides recommendations for
optimizing the performance of Logi Bolt wireless products in
your workplace environment.

Logi Bolt wireless technology

at a glance
Logi Bolt is Logitech’s next-gen wireless connectivity
protocol. In addition to improved security, wireless
reliability and connection strength, Logitech engineers
were tasked with ensuring the technology works across
multiple operating systems while enhancing the end
user experience. Based on Bluetooth® Low Energy
wireless technology, Logi Bolt includes multiple security
measures designed to minimize vulnerability risks in
both office and work-from-home environments.

The foundation of Logi Bolt wireless technology—

Bluetooth Low Energy protocol

When Logitech engineers set about developing a next-

generation wireless protocol, step one was choosing
a foundational technology to undergird the protocol
architecture. The selection of Bluetooth Low Energy
proved a logical choice. The global wireless standard
for simple, secure connectivity, Bluetooth Low Energy
is the latest technology from the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.,
of which Logitech is a member. The Bluetooth SIG Logitech MX Keys for Business and Logitech MX Anywhere 3
for Business
is a global community of over 36,000 companies
that are the caretakers and innovators of Bluetooth
technology. Their mission is to promote the expansion

Logi Bolt 1
of Bluetooth wireless technology by fostering device reactivity manifesting in latency. This
member collaboration to create new and is due to both the insufficient strength of
improved specifications and facilitate global the device receiver’s RF link and inefficient
Bluetooth interoperability through a product frequency hopping.
qualification program.
Logi Bolt solves this with an intensified RF link
Robust connectivity even in congested budget that powers through ambient noise
wireless environments and therefore overcomes the majority of
interference. In addition, Logi Bolt devices
Bluetooth technology has a proven ability to leverage a proprietary algorithm that
coexist with other wireless technologies in the helps improve the efficiency of frequency
same 2.4 GHz frequency band. These include hopping. The result is reduced latency,
Wi‑Fi access points and commonly-used typically below 8 milliseconds. In especially
Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy devices noisy environments, this number could
such as headsets, mobile phones and other increase depending on the strength, type
wireless devices with a proprietary protocol. and overall volume of interference but in
But while certainly convenient, this high level general, Logi Bolt device users will experience
of compatibility often comes at a cost — low negligible latency.

Logi Bolt connection using a paired Logi Bolt USB receiver significantly outperforms
other protocols in highly congested (noisy) environments
Maximum Latency Shift on Average (ms),
Logitech MX Keys for Business & MX Master 3 for
Business Logi Bolt USB Receiver connection to 7 High Noise vs. Zero Noise Environments
Windows® in high noise

Logitech MX Keys for Business & MX Master 3 for

Business Logi Bolt USB Receiver connection to 4
macOS® in high noise

Company A wireless mouse & keyboard

proprietary USB receiver connection to Windows® 57

Company B wireless mouse & keyboard

proprietary USB receiver connection to Windows® 81

Company C wireless mouse & keyboard

proprietary USB receiver connection to Windows® 81

Company D mouse & keyboard Bluetooth®

connection to macOS® 610

Logi Bolt 2
Optimized power consumption technology

Logi Bolt wireless mice and keyboards feature optimized

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) parameters including an
enhanced data rate of 2 Mbits/s and a minimal, 7.5ms
connection interval for a lag-free user experience. Yet
despite the enhanced connection strength, there’s no
observable power degeneration with Logi Bolt devices.

Pair multiple Logi Bolt devices to a single receiver

A total of six Logi Bolt devices can be paired with a

single Logi Bolt USB receiver with three simultaneous,
active connections. A Logi Bolt logo, typically found on
the bottom of the device (the side that rests on the
desk surface), confirms its compatibility with a Logi Bolt
receiver.

The ability to pair up to six devices to a single Logi Bolt

receiver with three active connections is especially
convenient for employees issued separate bundles of
wireless devices — a set for the office, another for work
from home and occasionally a third set for traveling.
Only the laptop needs transporting with the Logi Bolt
receiver remaining plugged in at all times as the user
moves from place to place.

For those desiring additional functionality (such as

key customization and application-specific settings*),
additional Logitech software, Logi Options+, is available
for free download and can be mass deployed.

*Functionalities in Options+ may vary by product.

Logi Bolt 3
Security and encryption
Logi Bolt technology is fully encrypted and
FIPS compliant

Logi Bolt was designed to help mitigate the risk of

potential cyber-attacks while addressing growing
security concerns resulting from an increasingly mobile
workforce—work from home being an obvious example.
It’s engineered with Bluetooth security mode 1, level 4
(also known as Secure Connection Only mode), which
is Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)*
compliant. That means Logi Bolt enforces security
by means of encryption. Level 4 uses Authenticated
LE Secure Connections (LESC) encrypted pairing—
specifically, Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman P-256 (ECDH)
and AES-128-CCM encryption. This ensures a Logi Bolt
wireless product and its Logi Bolt USB receiver can only
communicate with each other.

Logitech Signature M650 for Business

* Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) is a set of data security and computer system
standards created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Computer
Security Division and applies to computer systems for non-military government agencies and
government contractors. Organizations must adhere to these standards in order to be designated
as FIPS compliant. Many private organizations have voluntarily adopted FIPS standards as a
security benchmark.

Logi Bolt 4
Enforced LE Secure Connection (LESC)

Communication between wireless mice and keyboards

and the USB receiver is always encrypted. Logi Bolt
wireless products are pre-paired to their Logi Bolt USB
receiver at the factory so they work straight out of the
box. The encryption keys required by the mice and
keyboard links are also pre-programmed at the factory.

Logi Bolt USB receivers enforce Secure Connection Only

Mode. Pairing involves authenticating the identity of
the two devices, encrypting the link, and computing
encryption keys which allows security to be established/
reestablished on a connection/reconnection. In order to Logitech Ergo K860 Split Keyboard for Business and Logitech Lift for Business
authenticate a connection at pairing, Logi Bolt utilizes a
LESC passkey which requires a series of clicks—a security
measure common to keyboards but one that also
extends to Logi Bolt mice and across most enterprise Anti-rollback DFU
operating systems—an industry first. The passkey method
is considered superior to LE Legacy connections given its
Firmware
enhanced resilience to on-path attackers. Versions

v7
Safeguarding security updates with anti-rollback DFU
v6
To help overworked IT managers maintain enterprise-
v5*
level security over an increasingly far-flung employee Security Improvements:
Cannot rollback
base, Logitech equipped Logi Bolt with self-service v4
security measures that still allow for centralized oversight.
v3
When a pairing is attempted, the user receives a new Firmware Improvements:
Able to rollback
device alert. Non-security related firmware updates can v2
be rolled back by either the user or an IT manager should
v1
the need arise. Security updates, however, are permanent
and can’t be rolled back. v0

Logi Bolt
Maintain rollback DFU as a feature
When it’s not related to security
improvements.

Anti-rollback for security updates

Whenever there is a security update,
if device is upgraded, there is no turn
back.

Logi Bolt 5
Features and performance

Logi Bolt Wireless Protocol Logi Bolt Logi Bolt

Mouse Keyboard
Technical Specifications
Bluetooth Paired with Security Mode 1 - Security Mode 1 -
Logi Bolt wireless devices: Security Mode Logi Bolt USB Security Level 4 Security Level 4
receiver
• USB 2.0 Type-A.
Direct connect to Security Mode 1 - Security Mode 1 -
• Bluetooth Low Energy 5.0 or higher. host computer Security Level 2 Security Level 3
via Bluetooth (if the host (if the host
• Backwards compatible to Bluetooth computer can) computer can)
4.0 or higher hosts when in direct
Bluetooth connection.
Authentication Paired with 10-click passkey 6-digit passkey
• Bluetooth power class is class 2 with Logi Bolt USB (which means an (which means an
a transmission operating range of receiver entropy of 2^10) entropy of 2^20)
approximately 30 feet (10 meters)
within a line of sight. This range will
vary depending upon computing and Direct connect to Just Works Pairing Passkey is
environmental conditions. host computer is used per requested per
via Bluetooth industry standard industry standard
as there is no
Passkey pairing
standard for mice

Logitech Signature M650 for Business

Logi Bolt 6
Features and performance

Transmission Radio frequency band 2.4 GHz ISM

Parameters
Direct connect to host computer via Bluetooth Up to 37 with frequency hopping
(same as Bluetooth Low Energy)

Transmission power (dBm) 4 -10 (same as Bluetooth Low Energy)

Range: Logi Bolt USB receiver (ft/m) 33/10

Responsiveness Bandwidth: peak, raw (Mbps bursts) 2

Mouse report rate (rpts/s) 133 (1 report per 7.5 ms)

Keyboard typing speed (keys/s) 25

Latency in a clean environment (ms) <8

Latency following a power up (ms) < 300

Latency following low power mode (ms) Implementation specific

Resistance to Resistance to Wi‑Fi perturbation Excellent*

Interference
Resistance to Bluetooth perturbation Excellent

Resistance to multipath effect (self-perturbation) Excellent

Resistance to RF analog surveillance camera Excellent

Resistance to other brands' proprietary protocols Excellent

Exposition to interference in continuous tracking (= typical 2.5%

percentage of time during which the radio channel is used,
and prone to collide with other radio traffic)

Architecture Mouse and keyboard encryption Yes (AES-CCM 128-bits)

Capabilities
Downstream capability Yes

Downstream bandwidth (kbits/s) Up to 20

Number of wireless products per Logi Bolt USB receiver Up to 6 Logi Bolt wireless products

Full compatibility with optional software (e.g., key Yes**

customization, smooth scrolling and other advanced
features)

* Logitech proprietary algorithm makes frequency hopping more efficient compared to direct Bluetooth Low Energy connection. Wi‑Fi access point impact on
wireless link in the 2.4 GHz band: depending on the settings of the Wi‑Fi network, interference may affect all wireless devices working in the same frequency band.
**While all Logi Bolt products are compatible with Options+ software, functionalities may vary by product.

Logi Bolt 7
Recommendations for deploying and optimizing
the performance of Logi Bolt wireless products
Plug-in options for your Logi Bolt USB receiver

Host computer/Port type Connection method

MacOS or Windows laptop/notebook PC with USB-A port(s) It's best to plug the Logi Bolt USB receiver directly into the
laptop/notebook USB-A port.

MacOS or Windows laptop/notebook without a USB-A port: It's best to plug the Logi Bolt USB receiver directly into the
Case 1 - Extender laptop/notebook USB-C port using a Logi USB-C to
USB-A Adapter.

MacOS or Windows laptop/notebook without a USB-A port: For best results, use a higher-quality docking station or
Case 2 - Docking Station and USB-C Hubs USB-C Hub. Many lower cost docking stations and hubs
offer little protection against interference, leading to
poor connections and discernable lag when in use. See
appendix for a list of recommended docking stations
and hubs.

With an external Monitor or a Tower PC For best results, use a shielded USB A Female to Male
cable. Note: receivers plugged into the backs of tower
PCs or large monitors may lose line of sight to the
wireless device which could affect RF link performance
and overall robustness.

Logi Bolt 8
How to pair additional devices to a Logi Bolt
USB receiver

To simplify out-of-the-box setup by IT for the When the Logitech software detects that
end user, Logi Bolt wireless products are pre- a second Logi Bolt USB receiver has been
paired to their Logi Bolt USB receiver at the plugged in, a pop-up wizard guides the user
factory. The pre-pairing process includes through the process of migrating all Logi Bolt-
generating the encryption keys required by compatible devices to the first Logi Bolt
the mouse and keyboard links. Logi Options+ USB receiver. When the pairing is complete,
software can be utilized to pair Logi Bolt the second Logi Bolt USB receiver can be
wireless products to another Logi Bolt USB removed, freeing up a USB port.
receiver. Provided all wireless products and
the USB receiver carry the Logi Bolt logo, Logi Logi Options+ is available for free download at
Options+ can be used to pair any configuration logitech.com/optionsplus
of up to six Logi Bolt compatible devices to
a single Logi Bolt USB receiver with a total of
three active connections at any one time.

Logitech MX Keys Mini for Business and Logitech MX Master 3 for Business

Logi Bolt 9
Ensuring sufficient spacing between multiple
Logi Bolt setups
To get the most out of your
Space around each Logi Bolt setup should be not less deployment, Logitech
than 28 inches (0.7 meters) with the rule of thumb being recommends accounting
21.5 square feet (2 square meters) allotted per user. for the following during
setup:

A Logi Bolt setup (keyboard and

mouse) needs a certain amount
of space around it that’s free
from interference in order
to ensure optimal radio link
between the devices and the
associated host.

28 in.
The recommended device
(0.7 m)
density, or the number of
Logi Bolt setups that can exist
in a specific area, should not be
exceeded.

The distance between a

Logi Bolt device and its receiver
as well as the presence of metal
or other nearby dense objects
within line of sight may also
Determining the maximum user density affect radio link quality.

The maximum number of users in an allotted space is

calculated by taking the total area in square meters The co-existence of other radio
and dividing it by 2 or in square feet and dividing it by wave-transmitting systems in
21.5. For example, in a room with an area of 100 square the same area such as Wi‑Fi
meters, the maximum number of Logi Bolt setups that (embedded in host and
should be deployed is 50. access points) could hinder
the deployment of additional
wireless devices.

Logi Bolt 10
Laptop setup recommendations

To ensure robust link quality, minimize the For a desktop computer, plug the Logi Bolt
distance between Logi Bolt devices and receiver into an available USB port on the
their designated Logi Bolt receiver. Try to front panel of the computer.
avoid placing metallic objects or consumer
electronic devices between the mouse or In the case where another USB receiver is
keyboard and the receiver. plugged into the same laptop (headphones,
as an example) maximize the distance
between the two receivers by plugging the
second receiver in on the opposite side of
the laptop or otherwise using the farthest
available USB port.

Logitech MX Keys for Business with MX Palm Rest and

Logitech MX Master 3 for Business

To minimize potential interference from

Wi‑Fi, Logitech recommends plugging in
the Logi Bolt receiver on the same side as
the mouse to reduce the physical distance
between the keyboard, mouse and receiver.

Note: Since the 5 GHz band won’t interfere

with Logi Bolt transmissions, switching the
local Wi‑Fi to the 5 GHz band (if possible) may
improve the overall quality of the Logi Bolt
radio link.

Logi Bolt 11
 Logitech MK540 and Logitech Ergo M575 Wireless Trackball for Business

Ultimately, Logitech understands that offices are

filled with busy people on the move and less-than-
ideal setups will naturally occur. Picture ten workers
hastily assembled in a huddle room to put out the
latest fire. Logi Bolt devices were designed for real-
world situations and you can rest assured they’ll
function smoothly without lag or other issues caused
by interference.

Logi Bolt 12
Optimizing your wireless environment

Tips for improving Reduce the number of 1. Choose Wired LAN for docked notebooks whenever
the performance devices connected to the possible.
of wireless devices Wi‑Fi network at 2.4 GHz band
operating in the 2. Choose 5 GHz band where possible for less interference.
2.4 GHz band If it’s not possible to switch entirely to Wi‑Fi at 5 GHz
band, adjust the network settings for 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi per
the recommendations below.

If it's not possible to switch 1. Reduce router output power if possible (higher power
entirely to Wi‑Fi at 5 GHz does not always equal higher performance) and disable
band, adjust the network beamforming.
settings for 2.4 Wi‑Fi
2. Disable all local hot spots including smartphone
tethering levels.

3. Move PC and access points closer to each other.

How to reduce Determine the source of Microwave ovens, external displays, wireless speakers,
interference in the interference headphones and video transmitters are known to produce
2.4 GHz band interference in the 2.4 GHz band.

Cables and USB dongles External hard drives with poorly shielded cables, memory
sticks and other types of cables (coaxial, power sources,
etc.) can interfere with wireless signals.

Shielding effects, Materials used in buildings 1. Reinforced concrete, metal tables and bulletproof glass
attenuation and and office furniture have a strong shielding effect on wireless signals.
reflections
2. Water, bricks and some plastics have medium impact
on wireless signals.

3. Other materials such as wood and standard glass have

minimal impact on wireless signals.

Reflective surfaces in Wireless signals can reflect off certain surfaces causing
indoor environments weakened signals and interference. Maintaining line of
sight between routers and wireless devices can help
mitigate this problem.

This white paper from Cisco is a

recommended resource for the deployment
and maintenance of Wi‑Fi networks:
WiFi Troubleshooting Cheat Sheet

Logi Bolt 13
Connecting via Bluetooth
An alternative solution for connecting Logi Bolt wireless
devices to a laptop is by using Bluetooth Low Energy
(BLE). This may be required when the host computer
doesn’t include external ports of any kind.

A direct Bluetooth connection also proves convenient

should a user wish to connect their mouse or keyboard
to multiple devices simultaneously. For example, a
user might connect a keyboard to their laptop via the Characteristics of direct
Logi Bolt receiver while at the same time connecting connection via Bluetooth:
the keyboard via Bluetooth to a tablet or phone. Some
Logitech mice and keyboards have Easy-Switch • High Density: 37 channels in
buttons/keys that allow the user to quickly switch Bluetooth Low Energy
between those devices. • Immunity to Wi‑Fi: Due to
Frequency Hopping

• Reconnection time:
>2 seconds (versus 300ms for
Logi Bolt USB receiver)

• Pairing to PC via OS: Versus

pre-paired receiver for
Logi Bolt USB receiver

• AES-128-CCM encryption
of the signal between the
device and computer

• Long battery life: As with

all Logitech devices due to
power optimization features
integrated into the products
Logitech Ergo K860 Split Keyboard for Business and
Logitech Ergo M575 Wireless Trackball for Business

Logitech devices with Bluetooth technology can connect

to any host computer that includes Bluetooth. No USB
receiver is needed and pairing is done with the help of
the computer’s operating system.

Logi Bolt 14
The Logitech promise
With Logi Bolt, Logitech is committed to providing
enterprise-grade enhanced security, a robust signal
even in congested wireless environments and, with its
compatibility with all major OS’s and platforms, ease of
deployment and management for IT departments.

For questions regarding Logi Bolt or technical

support, visit prosupport.logi.com

Appendix

The following USB hubs and docking stations have been Logitech tested to work with Logi Bolt
USB receivers in noisy environments. Logitech highly recommends updating the firmware on any
of these devices before use with a PC or MacBook.

• Logitech Logi Dock

• Apple® USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter
• Belkin® 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub (F4U073)
• Belkin® 4-Port Powered Desktop Hub (F4U020)
• Belkin® Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock Core
• Caldigit® USB-C Pro Dock
• CalDigit® Thunderbolt™ 4 Element Hub
• Dell® Dock WD15
• Kensington® CH1000 USB-C 4-Port Hub
• Lenovo® ThinkPad Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock Gen 2
• Plugable® Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock with 60W Host Charging
• StarTech.com® Thunderbolt™ 3 Dock (TB3CDK2DP)
• Targus® Thunderbolt™ 3 8K Docking Station (DOCK221USZ)
• Transcend® HUB3
• VisionTek® VT4800 - Dual Display Thunderbolt™ 3
• WAVLINK® Thunderdock Pro/Thunderdock Pro III - Thunderbolt™ 3 Dual 4K Docking Station

www.logitech.com

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Logitech is under license.
macOS and Apple are trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
©2022 Logitech. Logitech, Logi, and their logos, and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Logitech Europe S.A. or its affiliates in the U.S. and/or other countries.