Top Types of Bluetooth Beacons and Low Energy Sensors

Bluetooth Low Energy is a method of wireless communication that is mainly applied in short-range communication. In the same way that Wi-Fi helps computers to connect with one another, BLE does the same. BLE, on the other hand, is designed for conditions where battery life is more important than fast data transfer rates.  The majority of today’s smartphones and tablets are BLE compliant, which means they can connect with digital signage, Bluetooth-enabled wireless speakers, car stereos, smart watches, fitness trackers, and hardware devices such as beacons.

BLE technology – How it works?

The data transfer through Bluetooth Low Energy is basically one-way communication. Consider Bluetooth LTE beacons attempting to communicate with a smartphone in near proximity: a Bluetooth Low Energy beacon system broadcasts data packets at regular intervals. Apps/pre-installed utilities on adjacent smartphones detect these data packets. This Bluetooth contact can be used to deliver a message or promote an app. The complete Bluetooth BLE networking system contains 40 frequency channels that are separated by 2MHz to conserve resources and have faster data transmission speeds. Three of these networks are primary advertising channels, and the other 37 are secondary channels, commonly known as data channels. Bluetooth connectivity continues with the three main advertising channels before transitioning to the secondary channels.

How BLE differs?

Under the Bluetooth core standard, there are two main technologies: Bluetooth Smart (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Bluetooth classic. The main distinction between the two beacon technologies is the amount of electricity used in either situation. There are other reasons, why Bluetooth Smart is being used in groundbreaking technology implementations and it includes

• Simultaneous connections
• Applications
• Power consumption

Simultaneous connections

BLE will create up to 20 links at the same time. Since it sends small data packets and creates fast links, it can accommodate more simultaneous connections. On the other hand, Bluetooth classic can only create 7 simultaneous links.

Applications

Bluetooth Classic is suitable for devices that involve constant data streaming, such as headphones. Bluetooth LE, on the other hand, is best designed for devices that require a regular data connection and hence saves a lot of battery life. As a result, BLE is well-suited to IoT and proximity marketing applications.

Simultaneous connections

Businesses will power BLE beacon systems for months or years with only four batteries. This makes BLE special! Classic Bluetooth, on the other hand, can absorb a lot of power due to its higher data throughput.

BLE technology with beacons

Approximately 10 times per second, Bluetooth LTE beacons generates ID number through the BLE channels. This ID number is picked up by the Bluetooth-enabled computer in close proximity to the beacon. When an app or pre-installed device detects the ID number, it associates it with a specific action, such as downloading an app, or a piece of information saved in the cloud and shows it on the smartphone.

Applications of BLE

Asset tracking

The BLE beacon listens to the IDs of BLE tags that are attached to objects rather than transmitting IDs to mobile devices. Since the tags can be fitted with sensors for sound, light, temperature and movement, they can be used in a variety of situations. There are many applications, ranging from hospital wheelchair and infusion pump tracking to monitoring the speed, movement, and vibration of an airport luggage conveyor.

Retargeting Ads

BLE beacon technologies allow businesses to communicate with visitors even after they have left the shop or property. If a customer interacts with an in-store advertisement, they will be introduced to the same brand when they go online – whether it’s Facebook or Google.

Hyperlocal check-in

Unlike Facebook or Foursquare, BLE-enabled check-ins is highly targeted and allows guests to pinpoint their exact location inside the building. This function may be paired with location-based advertisements or reward-based activities.

Proximity marketing

Out-of-context advertising ads irritate customers. As a result, companies must become more strategic in their marketing efforts. These campaigns must be highly customized and targeted. This not only increases revenue but also brand loyalty.

Indoor navigation

BLE infrastructure is suitable for both outdoor and indoor. To accurately position a smartphone, it is enough to use only 3 indoor beacons.  Using Bluetooth LTE beacons technology, indoor navigation indicates the recommended route, marks the important venues and offers turn-by-turn directions. It can be used in multi-story stores, museums and shopping malls.

Virtual BLE eliminates the need for a physical beacon. Beacon points will create a spectrum that parallels a flashlight beam by latching onto existing Wi-Fi networks. In contrast to the edges, more energy is pushed in front of the beacon antenna. This energy is spread in an elliptical fashion.

A probability weight is assigned to each point on the map to decide a user’s position. The position of the user is calculated with great precision after measuring the predicted and measured signal strengths.