Bluetooth Beacons are compact transmitters that continuously broadcast signals over varying distances—ranging from just a few centimeters up to 70 meters. These beacons can communicate with any device within their range, making them a versatile tool for a wide array of applications.
What are Bluetooth Beacons?
Bluetooth Beacons are small transmitters that continuously send signals to nearby devices. These signals can reach from just a few inches up to 70 meters, depending on the beacon’s settings. Bluetooth and WiFi are quite similar in function, but technologies like RFID and NFC are designed for much shorter ranges, typically up to a meter. These passive technologies lack their own power sources, requiring energy to be transmitted via their antennas, which can sometimes be quite large. Active RFID has its own power source but still requires a sizable antenna.
Understanding Beacon/BLE Tags
A beacon is a compact Bluetooth radio transmitter that repeatedly emits a signal that nearby devices can detect. Imagine it as a lighthouse, but instead of light, it sends out a radio signal composed of a combination of letters and numbers at regular intervals. Devices equipped with Bluetooth, like smartphones, can detect this beacon once within range.
What is BLE?
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), also known as Bluetooth 5.0 or Bluetooth Smart, is the specification for the type of signals that beacons transmit. BLE is advantageous because it consumes low energy and is compatible with most modern phones and tablets.
Are Beacons Internet Connected?
Beacons are not inherently connected to the internet. They simply send out a signal like a lighthouse and do not connect to WiFi or the internet.
Using Beacons for Production Flow Management
Beacons can monitor parts and materials during manufacturing, helping to avoid bottlenecks and improve efficiency. They offer a low-cost solution for various asset management scenarios, from mobile device management to optimizing transport.
Beacon Range and Battery Life
The typical range of a beacon’s signal is up to 70 meters, though some can reach up to 140 meters. Most beacons have a battery life of about two years, broadcasting every 10 seconds. The battery is usually replaceable.
Difference Between Beacons and iBeacons
A beacon is a physical device that sends out Bluetooth signals, while iBeacon is a specific format for these signals, proprietary to Apple. However, devices other than iPhones can also detect iBeacon signals. Other formats like AltBeacon and Eddystone are becoming more common.
How Beacons Communicate
Beacons send out their ID numbers several times per second. A nearby Bluetooth-enabled device picks up the signal, and a dedicated app can link it to an action or content stored in the cloud, displaying it to the user. The app's response to a beacon signal can be programmed using third-party tools.
Why Use “BLE Beacons”?
BLE, or Bluetooth Low Energy, is a power-efficient version of Bluetooth introduced in 2010. Its low energy consumption is crucial for beacons, allowing them to run for years on small batteries. BLE also plays a significant role in the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling technology to last longer with smaller components.
Inside a Beacon
Beacons are simple devices containing a CPU, radio, and batteries. They often use small lithium chip batteries or connected power sources like USB. Beacons come in various shapes and colors and may include additional features like accelerometers or temperature sensors. Despite their differences, all beacons share the common function of transmitting a signal.