You've surely heard of the Bluetooth as one of the most common technologies in our mobile phones. We use it daily to pair headphones, smart watches, send photos or even share files. between devices with tools like Quick Share. However, beyond these everyday uses, there is a lesser-known but extremely useful functionality, especially in professional environments, which is revolutionizing the way indoor location is managed: Bluetooth beacons, better known as beacons.
These small pieces of technology have been with us for a while, but they are gaining more and more prominence due to their ability to improve efficiency, indoor geolocation and even digital marketingLet's take a closer look at what these beacons are, how they work, and what they're used for.
What are Bluetooth beacons?
A Bluetooth beacon is a small wireless transmitter that emits signals using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Its main function is to send a unique identifier to devices within its range, which are typically mobile phones, tablets, or devices connected to a network. Using the identifier, the receiving app or system can understand the location of the device and execute an action or display contextual information.
These beacons are so compact that they are often no bigger than a coin. They work with batteries that can last between 2 and 8 years, depending on the model and use. Furthermore, since they are passive devices, they do not capture information, they simply emit it, which minimizes privacy risks.
How BLE beacons work
BLE beacons work by using emission of radio signals at regular intervalsThese signals contain a unique identifier that is picked up by compatible devices with Bluetooth enabled. Depending on the signal and its strength, it is possible to estimate the distance between the device and the beacon, which in many cases allows position the user within a closed space.
Unlike GPS, which loses effectiveness indoors, BLE beacons stand out for their precision in closed spacesThey use three proximity zones:
- Immediate: Up to 0,5 meters, very precise detection.
- Nearby: between 1 and 8 meters, good accuracy.
- Far: more than 10 meters, low accuracy.
The more beacons there are in a space, the better the accuracy of the systemFor example, in a large supermarket, several beacons can be placed on different shelves to offer a highly personalized customer experience.
Most used protocols: iBeacon and Eddystone
The two big companies behind the main Bluetooth beacon protocols are Apple with iBeacon y Google with EddystoneBoth standards allow a beacon to be uniquely identified and actions to be taken on nearby devices.
iBeacon works on both iOS and Android, although it tends to integrate better into the Apple ecosystem. For its part, Eddystone stands out for being open source and for allowing functions such as sending URLs without having to install apps, something very useful in advertising campaigns. This protocol can also be integrated with Chrome on Android. to improve functionalities.
Main uses of Bluetooth beacons
The applications of this technology are many. Below are some of its most relevant applications: One of them is indoor positioning.
- Indoor geolocation: They allow you to know the exact location of a person within a building, useful in airports, hospitals, museums and shopping centers.
- proximity marketing: Physical stores can send personalized offers to customers' mobile phones when they are inside a specific section.
- Automation: They can be used to detect the presence of someone in a room and activate lights or air conditioning automatically.
- Asset Tracking: In logistics or warehouses, they help locate objects, forklifts, or merchandise in real time.
- Access control and security: detect if a person or object has left an area without permission.
Client and server based operation
The BLE system can operate in two ways:
1. Client-based: The mobile detects the beacon signal and calculates its approximate position. This is the most widely used method in mobile applications and has a range of about 30 meters with an accuracy of 1 to 3 meters.
2. Server-based: The beacon sends signals to connected locator nodes that process the information and send it to a central server. This system It is more precise (less than 8 meters) and reaches up to 75 meters of coverage.
Components and types of beacons
A BLE beacon is made up of three parts:
- Bluetooth module: the person in charge of emitting the signal.
- Battery or power source: It can be internal (button cell or AA) or external (plugged in via USB or power).
- Microcontroller: a small integrated CPU that manages the signal and other functions such as sensors.
There are models with extra functionalities such as water resistance, motion, pressure, light or temperature sensorsThis makes them ideal for industrial or outdoor use.
Differences between beacons, geofencing, NFC and WiFi
A common question is what differentiates beacons from other technologies such as GPS geofencing, Wi-Fi, or NFC. Here's a brief explanation:
- Beacons vs Geofencing: Beacons work best indoors and with low power consumption. GPS requires more power and isn't useful inside buildings.
- Beacons vs NFC: NFC has a range of only a few centimeters and requires direct contact. Beacons can reach up to 70 meters.
- Beacons vs WiFi: Wi-Fi covers longer distances and is suitable for data connections, but requires constantly powered devices. Beacons are more efficient, although their range is somewhat more limited.
Featured companies and models
There are several brands on the market that manufacture beacons for different sectors:
- Accent Systems: offers models compatible with both the iBeacon and Eddystone protocols. Prices start at 20 euros per unit.
- Fegtrty: offers more economical versions (around 12 euros per unit or less than 40 euros for packs of 4).
- MOH: It has water-resistant models, with sensors and multiple connection options.
The choice of the appropriate model will depend on the conditions of the environment and the desired use.
Bluetooth beacons They have become a very powerful tool in sectors as diverse as commerce, logistics, healthcare, and tourism. Thanks to their low consumption, easy installation, and great versatility, they represent one of the best solutions for manage indoor location, automate processes, or personalize the user experience. As they become more integrated with mobile apps and the cloud, their possibilities will continue to grow exponentially. Have you thought about how they can fit into your business or personal project?