BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) such as iBeacons or Beacons are utilized to transfer data over short ranges. This wireless technology has enhanced a new option for Wi-Fi, particularly in IoT devices and apps. Let’s see at some important factors that must be considered when selecting BLE and Wi-Fi for IoT Product Development.
Speed
BLE is more applicable for sending small data at 1 Mbps, such as acceleration specifications, sensor readings of temperature, GPS coordinates, etc. Though, BLE is not satisfied with transmitting data in real-time to a server. If real-time data is required, a unique gateway must be utilized to transmit the data.
The Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac can send at a rate of up to 1.3 Gbps, so it is perfect for larger files and data. The speed depends on various parts and it also depends largely on the user provider chooses to submit to. Wi-Fi Direct gives the best data transfer speed, about 10 times more than what you see with Bluetooth Classic. But BLE is nearly 2-3 times more potent than Bluetooth Classic and 20-30 times more inactive than Wi-Fi Direct.
Privacy
The device will be on the continuous lookout for a Wi-Fi network as soon as a person turns on their Wi-Fi connection. Retailers discover this very helpful as they follow their customers and give them offers and discounts. It can also follow their physical actions, down to the specific area. Wi-Fi technology does not certainly require the permission of the user to do this, as there is no user intervention required. If you need to be available on Wi-Fi, you will have to disable it on your device.
For BLE technology, the user has to turn on the Bluetooth facility in their Smart Phones and let location detection. You can prefer to get in-store or indoor notifications.
Consumers might need to adopt an IoT Technology that provides them more security, more option over the data they share in public. BLE provides more security.
Location Detection Efficiency
When placed indoors, BLE uses communication packets to give extra knowledge that follows to iBeacon, Eddystone example. Beacons utilize BLE to sense the consumer proximity and show information to the device one-way. Bluetooth receivers read the unique UID number, as soon as the device receives the signal, it will activate location-specific information. The signals are transferred with radio waves that can understand the physical restrictions. Location
There is a unique UID number that can be read by other Bluetooth receivers. Once the device receives the signal, it will activate location-specific information. The signals are transferred through radio waves that can understand physical restrictions. Location efficiency can be secured by this method, and Beacons can work also in poor radio frequency circumstances. The only condition is that the user’s device must have Bluetooth turned on in his device.
Wireless Local Area Network or Wi-Fi technology where two or more electronic devices use ISM radio band to interact. Bluetooth also works on the ISM band, though Wi-Fi technology doesn’t rely only on the proximity of the user. Wi-Fi can divides triangulate the consumer’s location when the device transfers the access point (MAC address).
Beacons are the best option when it comes to micro-locating, as Wi-Fi signals are really not able to penetrate with strong objects like walls.
Proximity Detection
Wi-Fi is meant to accurately guide the specific location by including access points in a device. Parameters such as SSID and MAC addresses are utilized for this.
The consumer’s device should have a Bluetooth feature. And once Bluetooth is identified, the mobile device must be within a particular area as Bluetooth is all about proximity, and not about the exact location. Both devices should be configured for the function.
The proximity data given by BLE is much more reliable than Wi-Fi, but not properly either. 30 meters is the maximum range for BLE wireless connections, though Wi-Fi goes further beyond. It depends on the version, but you go over 100 feet if you can increase the connectivity for external antennas
Compatibility
BLE signals can be chosen up any Bluetooth 4.0 allowed devices. For Apple devices Version 4S or later would be preferable, while for Android devices, Version 4.3 or later. Wi-Fi runs on WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac devices. For Apple devices, you might require Version 5S or later, while for Android devices Version 4.0 or later is the preference for Wi-Fi connectivity.
The main functionality of BLE beacons is its ability to find compatible devices so the range measures turn out to be more specific. This will provide you more efficiency in the user’s way within a particular summary.
Conclusion
Therefore, as you can see, wireless communication between smart devices can occur when several good technologies reside in agreement with each other. BLE is apparently the most generally utilized one, and more abilities are added to it to improve its appearance.
You have to consider the above-mentioned factors, and privacy and speed to make a choice between the two. Definitely, it also depends on the device you use, the idea it is about to help and the information managed.
Are you looking to integrate BLE and Wi-Fi in your next IoT product development? Contact us; we will help you.
