Different Types of Beacon for Real-Time Locating Systems

Beacons based on Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy technology are one of the best and popular wireless devices around the world. For this purpose, people use it in a wide range of local projects. A major advantage of these devices is that they can be used for a wide range of applications. Whether you want to use it for foot navigation, analysis of movement flows, or asset tracking, you can do it all. This is possible because of the many different types of beacons.

In this guide, we are going to tell you all about the different types of beacons. So, make sure you stick right to the end!

Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy

The majority of people think that the name Bluetooth covers all the forms of Bluetooth connectivity and it also needs some kind of manual activation through your phone. However, this is not the case. In reality, there are actually two primary types of Bluetooth radios out there. They are known as Bluetooth Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). However, despite having an almost similar name, these types of Bluetooth technologies are not compatible with each other. That’s because both of them are two different protocols.

How Do We Use A Beacon?

If you are using a beacon, you must remember that there are two basic types of applications. The first is client-based positioning and the second is server-based localization.

For client-based positioning, the users attach the BLE tags or basic beacons to the ceilings or walls. As a result, they regularly emit the signals that a mobile phone device detects. After this, a device on the other receiving end directly determines its position with the help of the app.

For the second area of application or server-based localization, the users attach the beacon to any mobile asset such as vehicles or objects that people carry. In this scenario, the Bluetooth signal receiver(such as Gateway hardware)receives the emitted signals. After this, it forwards the information to a backend. The backend then determines its position.

The Working of the Bluetooth Beacon

The working of the Bluetooth beacon is quite straightforward. It works by transmitting packets of data. A compatible receiving device picks up this data with the help of the radio waves. An important thing to remember here is that these packets of data sometimes trigger events or are either self-contained on the receiving device. Some examples include app actions, prompts, and push notifications.

Since the beacon has three primary advertising channels, this makes it faster for the devices to connect to it. As a result, it reduces the listening time of the scanning device as well.

Theoretically, the beacon technology has a maximum radius distance of less than 100m. However, in some cases, it has a latency of up to 6ms. But, the actual response time and range depend upon the beacon itself and the processes that it programs.

Mostly, we use the beacons in short-range applications. That’s because the majority of the beacons can reliably transmit data up to 30 meters without facing any physical obstructions. However, their typical operating range is around 2 to 5 meters depending upon their transmit power. Therefore, if the range will be higher so will be the battery consumption.

Different Types of Beacon

There are many different types of beacons as each beacon specializes in its own area. Let’s take a look at these different types below.

1. BLE Tags

The most common type of is the BLE tags. It tracks the location of the mobile objects by being tagged on the objects people want to track. This is what makes them suitable for applications such as locating medical equipment in hospitals, vehicles on industrial sites, work equipment in offices, or goods in logistics. Many manufacturers in the market offer beacons in different shapes and sizes and with different features too. For example, if you want to use a beacon for industrial purposes, you should get a resistant beacon that has a high IP class.

2. Wristband Beacons

Wristband Beacons offer extraordinary benefits, particularly in medical services offices. For instance, they can be worn by people experiencing dementia to shield them from leaving the ward or facility all alone. At the point when a patient wearing a wristband moves toward a leave, the staff can be told naturally. The wristband likewise offers more noteworthy security for youngsters who move around autonomously, for instance on a journey transport or in a lodging. Moreover, you can outfit the wristband with a movement sensor that permits them to enroll in falls. Wristbands from certain makers likewise accompany a remove alert, which triggers a message when the wristband is cut or detached.

3. Sensor Beacons

You will be surprised to know that nowadays beacons come with sensors as well. You can attach various sensors to a beacon and it will work just fine for you. For example, you can install a beacon with a temperature and humidity sensor to monitor the climate of the room. In addition to this, you can also use the beacon with a monitor sensor to determine the room utilization and the occupancy of the individual desk.

4. Beacon Card

Beacons as ID cards are especially appropriate for finding individuals, as they are tiny and can be hauled around without any problem. You can utilize them to record streams of development at exchange fairs. Besides, the card can be utilized for access control. For physical and information security, access control with the help of beacon cards restrict the access to a place for authorization management.

Final Words

That’s all on the beacon receiver for now! However, if you still need more information on it, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.