What is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) in Intelligent Sensing
There is a difference between Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth. If you’re interested in using BLE technology for beacons, there are a few different components that you should know about. These components all help create beacons that use Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate. This article will explain each component and help you decide whether you need them in your business. Over the last 9 years, Bluetooth low energy enabled devices have gained traction of the IoT market worldwide. The following statistic shows forecast market volume of Bluetooth low energy devices worldwide, from 2013 to 2020. Source: Statista What is Bluetooth Low Energy Bluetooth Low Energy, also known as BLE, is a wireless technology that uses the 2.4 GHz radio band to communicate with other devices. A BLE communicates by broadcasting data. It is a form of unidirectional communication in which two devices communicate without establishing a connection. Peripheral and central devices can use this type of communication for different purposes. Broadcasts are multicast, and a client device can receive them as long as it is nearby. This type of communication is not secure, but it has many applications. This wireless technology uses 40 separate frequency channels separated by two MHz. Three are primary advertisement channels, while the remaining 37 are secondary data channels. Bluetooth communication starts on the primary channels and offloads to the secondary ones. Low-energy Bluetooth is built into most new smartphones and tablets. Android phones and tablets may support BLE or a different version of Bluetooth. Bluetooth Classic devices may not work with BLE. The BLE specification defines a series of attributes called characteristics. These characteristics are similar to object-oriented language’s member variables. Representative characteristics include heart rate and volume. They can be Read-Only or Write-Only. Writing a new value to a characteristic is analogous to invoking a “setter” in an object-oriented language. Characteristic descriptors provide more information about the characteristics. These attributes are used to store information about the device. Difference between BLE and Bluetooth There are several differences between Bluetooth Low Energy and its older cousin, Bluetooth. Bluetooth Low Energy is based on a series of layers, including the Generic Attribute Profile (GATT), the Link Layer, and the Generic Access Profile (GAP). Each layer has different responsibilities and a particular method of communication, and a BLE device can implement more than one profile at once. While “classic” Bluetooth is intended for consumers, Bluetooth Low Energy is aimed at the industrial sector. It is designed to report small amounts of information in a short period. Because BLE uses less power, it has a lower acquisition cost and can be deployed more quickly. It also enables devices to operate for more extended periods before recharging. In addition to a lower acquisition cost, BLE devices can transmit more information over a wider area than Bluetooth. The underlying technology behind Bluetooth low energy is a highly versatile wireless communication standard. It can communicate with many different interfaces and devices. Bluetooth standard requires a high battery capacity, and frequent recharges, whereas Bluetooth low-energy devices can run for years on a small battery. Bluetooth low energy is also very fast at transferring complex data. It means it will be easier for businesses to implement low-power applications and increase productivity. Another difference between BLE and Bluetooth is the number of channels they use for communication. Standard Bluetooth uses a fixed channel, and BLE uses 40 two-MHz channels. BLE uses a gaussian frequency shift modulation (GFSM) to smooth out data pulses and reduce interference. A direct sequence spread spectrum is also used to minimize interference among BLE devices. This feature is available in most smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices. How does BLE work It has two main layers – a physical layer and a link layer. The physical layer communicates with the other devices, while the link layer is responsible for encoding and decoding data. Bluetooth Low Energy devices also use the L2CAP protocol to ensure communication security. When Bluetooth connects two devices, a connection event is initiated. This event enables the devices to exchange user data. These packets are sent out at a fixed interval called Connection Interval. The two devices exchange data at every connection event. Each device transmits data once in a while and can communicate with each other over several channels. The devices use 37 channels for data and three channels for advertisement. BLE uses a General Attribute Profile (GATT) to communicate over a Bluetooth link. This GATT profile is the basis for most current BLE application profiles. You can use several other profiles defined by the Bluetooth SIG, and your device can implement as many as it supports. Once it helps the GATT profile, it can communicate with other BLE devices. Bluetooth low-energy beacons Bluetooth low energy beacons are devices that operate on Bluetooth low energy principle. They are like machine emitters that constantly emit radio signals over short, regular intervals for other devices to receive. The information transmitted is in the form of letters and numbers. BLW beacons consist of a CPU, lithium-ion batteries, and a radio. They contain a unique ID transmitted to the receiving device, which then forwards it to a designated cloud server to retrieve information in that beacon. Different beacon applications have additional coexistence requirements. Some may only require centimeter-scale ranges, while others require multiple hundreds of meters. The Bluetooth low energy core specification allows for a maximum of 10 dBm, so you may need to experiment with your beacons to determine which ranges are best for your application. You may also need to consider how many beacons you must operate simultaneously. One of the primary uses of beacons is in advertising, and the technology is already widely used for advertising. Advertisements can promote products and services, and beacons can run on a coin-cell battery for years. Depending on their usage, beacons can transmit both static and dynamic data. These beacons are easy to install and use. Typically, they can run for years on a single coin-cell battery. The technology that
Read MoreHow GPS tracking helps manufacturers boost ROI
GPS tracking has many benefits, helping organizations curb costly behavior such as vehicle theft and unauthorized use. It can also help them maximize the health of their fleet, saving money on emergency repairs, rental, and replacement costs. Using this technology to optimize vehicle health can help manufacturers increase ROI by reducing maintenance and emergency repair expenses. Cost of GPS tracking With a good GPS tracking solution, you can easily monitor the movements of your company’s field service personnel. It will allow you to improve route management and reduce travel time, thus reducing fuel consumption. With accurate tracking, you can see how much each employee is consuming every day and where they are spending their time. Another advantage is that this type of tracking system can save you money. If your vehicles are stolen, GPS tracking can help you recover them. It can save you thousands of dollars. It can also improve customer satisfaction, which can lead to more revenue. When you have satisfied customers, you’ll be more likely to show up on time and maintain a positive reputation. While GPS tracking costs money, it’s worth it in the long run. Using the technology will allow you to boost ROI by reducing fuel costs and eliminating unsafe driving. Moreover, it will help you dispatch jobs faster and plan efficient routes. With these features, the cost of GPS tracking can help manufacturers increase their ROI by 150 percent or more. As fuel prices continue to rise, manufacturers must find a way to cut down on their fuel expenses. GPS tracking can help them do that by reducing fuel consumption. Fuel costs are a considerable expense; even the smallest reduction can significantly affect your bottom line. And with a GPS tracking system, you’ll be able to find out exactly how much you could save every year by implementing the program. Another great benefit of GPS tracking is the increase in customer satisfaction. It provides information about the exact movements of the tracked assets and can eliminate unsafe driving behaviors. Having this kind of information allows you to reduce your overhead and improve customer service. With a better ROI, you’ll be able to deliver your products faster and retain more customers. Benefits of GPS tracking GPS tracking helps manufacturers improve their operations and decrease their costs. It allows for real-time data access and can help identify problems faster, thus saving the organization money. Companies also benefit from digitalizing processes such as job dispatch and pre-trip inspections. The technology also helps businesses improve fuel efficiency, reducing their overall gas bills. GPS tracking is especially useful in the construction industry. In this field, managing resources and equipment is a complex process. GPS technology helps to simplify the management process and make it more efficient. Several forward-thinking construction managers already recognize the immediate benefits of GPS tracking in construction. GPS allows them to monitor their fleet easily and know if their drivers are running late. Aside from tracking inventory, GPS tracking also promotes safe work practices. Managers can identify drivers who are driving dangerously by providing insight into specific movements of tracked assets. Additionally, companies can increase their productivity and customer satisfaction by accurately monitoring goods. They can also improve their responsiveness to customers in case of delays. And they can also improve employee productivity by calculating an estimated time for delivery. With GPS tracking, manufacturers can monitor their fleets and understand what is happening with the vehicles. It can reduce theft and revenue leakage. And it can also create a digital maintenance program, which alerts the driver about scheduled maintenance. It can significantly improve fleet availability, as well as increase customer satisfaction. GPS tracking for delivery vehicles can reduce theft of goods. It detects theft when vehicles enter or leave the company’s premises and can alert its personnel to prevent theft. In addition, GPS tracking for delivery vehicles can help improve delivery efficiency. It can also help reduce delivery costs. Cost of GPS tracking integration system If you want to use GPS tracking to track your vehicles, you can either build your tracking device or find a provider that integrates with other systems. Whether you make your tracking device, you should consider the cost. While it may be less expensive to build it yourself, you will need to hire an IT team or work with other development teams. Additionally, you will need to take an active role in managing the system and developing KPIs. It would help if you involved office administrators and managers in the process. The cost of a GPS tracking integration system varies widely. Off-the-shelf software costs tens of dollars, while more complex systems cost several hundred thousand dollars. In addition, you should consider how long you intend to use the system. The average service agreement lasts anywhere from 12 to 36 months. However, some providers offer month-to-month plans and money-back guarantees. GPS tracking integration systems provide several benefits for manufacturers and fleet managers. They help ensure driver safety, track the health of your fleet and comply with laws and regulations. They also help companies manage their vehicles more efficiently. For example, GPS tracking systems are great for tracking trucks, buses, and boats. You can monitor their whereabouts and perform necessary maintenance. The technology is constantly improving, and business owners can deploy it relatively quickly. Cost of GPS tracking system for fleets Installing a GPS tracking system in fleet vehicles has many benefits, but the cost can be high. This type of tracking can help manufacturers reduce fuel costs and improve safety. Installing a tracking device can also reduce insurance premiums. In addition, it can lower wages and save on gas. Fleet tracking solutions include software and hardware. The hardware used depends on the monitoring of the business needs. Some services offer plug-and-play devices, while others require more advanced installation. Once installed, GPS tracking devices will send updates to the software, which acts as the central hub for information. The increased efficiency and productivity often offset the costs associated with GPS fleet
Read MoreIndoor Tracking: How GPS and Ultra-Wideband Are Revolutionizing Location Technology
Table of content Introduction What is Indoor Tracking? Functions of Indoor Tracking GPS in Indoor Tracking Ultra-Wideband (UWB) in Indoor Tracking Challenges with Indoor Tracking Applications and Implications of Indoor Tracking Technology Conclusion Introduction Indoor Tracking is changing how we move around in closed spaces. The mix of GPS and Ultra-Wideband tech is making location tracking super accurate, opening up lots of possibilities. This exploration will look at how GPS and Ultra-Wideband are changing location technology, showing the progress that’s making indoor pinpointing and navigation way better. What is Indoor Tracking? Indoor tracking is about finding and following things or people in enclosed spaces. Outdoor navigation uses GPS signals but indoor tracking deals with the limits of those signals inside buildings. The main technologies for indoor tracking are GPS, which refers to the Global Positioning System, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB). Functions of Indoor Tracking GPS and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) are technologies that figure out where things or people are inside buildings. Let’s see how each of these works in indoor tracking: GPS in Indoor Tracking Ultra-Wideband (UWB) in Indoor Tracking Challenges with Indoor Tracking While indoor tracking has great potential, it faces some challenges that need attention for the technology to work well and be accepted by users. Here are common challenges with indoor tracking: Applications and Implications of Indoor Tracking Technology Indoor tracking is changing how we do things in many areas. We’ll look at how it is making a difference in industries and our daily lives. From making deliveries smoother and improving shopping to making buildings safer and helping in healthcare, indoor tracking has many uses. Conclusion Indoor Tracking, powered by GPS and Ultra-Wideband technologies, is changing the game in location technology. It allows us to pinpoint locations accurately indoors, bringing innovation and efficiency to various industries. As we see this revolution unfold, the applications and impacts of GPS and Ultra Wideband are reshaping how we move and engage indoors.Excited about the future of Indoor Tracking? Discover the possibilities and stay updated on the latest in location technology. Connect with iNetra to explore the transformative world of GPS and Ultra-Wideband in more detail.
Read MoreA Comprehensive Guide to Advanced Indoor Tracking: GPS, UWB, AI Sensing, BLE, and Beyond
Table of content Introduction Applications of Advanced Indoor Tracking Challenges and Solutions in Indoor Tracking Implementation Privacy and Security Considerations in Indoor Tracking Conclusion Introduction The surge in popularity of indoor tracking signifies a pivotal moment in the realm of location technology. In response to the growing demand for precise spatial intelligence, the exploration of diverse technologies within indoor tracking becomes not just relevant but indispensable. This guide serves as a guide to Indoor Tracking, offering illuminating insights into technologies such as GPS, UWB, AI Sensing, BLE, and beyond. Join us on this informative journey, where we unravel the complexities and provide a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements, unlocking the secrets that lie within mastering location technology for a myriad of practical uses. Applications of Advanced Indoor Tracking Advanced indoor tracking technologies like GPS and UWB find applications in various industries. They enhance precision and spatial intelligence within indoor spaces. Challenges and Solutions in Indoor Tracking Implementation Implementing advanced indoor tracking technologies holds great promise, but it comes with challenges. Overcoming these challenges is vital for organizations looking to smoothly integrate GPS and BLE into their indoor tracking systems. We’ll look at the common hurdles during implementation and suggest practical solutions for successful deployment. Privacy and Security Considerations in Indoor Tracking As advanced indoor tracking technologies become more widespread, it is crucial to ensure strong privacy and security measures. Balancing the benefits of accurate location data with ethical responsibility is key. Organizations need to prioritize transparency and user consent, clearly communicating the purpose and methods of tracking. Obtaining informed consent and promoting user awareness build trust and accountability. Adhering to data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA is essential. Privacy-by-design principles ensure that tracking systems prioritize privacy. Granular user permissions let individuals control data sharing. Regular security audits identify vulnerabilities, proactively guarding against potential threats. Ethics play a significant role, too. Organizations need to not only follow rules but also actively accommodate ethical norms in their business practices. This means staying in touch with users, understanding their expectations, and adapting operations accordingly. Balancing efficiency with ethical considerations requires ongoing reflection and adjustment. By adopting this approach, organizations can build trust, encourage responsible innovation, and contribute to the ethical evolution of indoor tracking technologies. Conclusion This article makes it evident that the synergy of GPS, UWB, AI Sensing, BLE, and beyond and emerging technologies is paving the way for a new era of spatial intelligence. The applications are diverse, ranging from logistics and healthcare to smart buildings and beyond. As we stand at the intersection of innovation and practicality, mastering location technology indoors opens doors to once unimaginable possibilities. Ready to elevate your understanding of indoor tracking and master location technology for your industry? Explore the possibilities with iNetra’s advanced solutions. Unlock Precision with Indoor Tracking – Your journey to enhanced spatial intelligence begins now.
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