Understand Requirements of Using Bluetooth MESH for IoT Devices

In previous and earlier articles, we explored the topic of Bluetooth Mesh technology by discussing what Bluetooth Mesh is, Wirepas Mesh compatible hardware developed by Minew, and how Bluetooth Mesh in general differs from Private Mesh, in terms of their key features, product benefits, and working principles associated. This blog intend and will continue to create value by navigating IoT industry practitioners and tech-savvy fans to gain more practical knowledge and hands-on experience of how to use Bluetooth Mesh for a wide range of IoT devices.

Introduction

The future of the upcoming Internet of Things age lies in ubiquitous connectivity among objects (Yin et al., 2019). The rising number of perishable IoT devices applied in various occasions and the increasingly complex IoT ecosystem create a surged unfilled demand for Bluetooth Mesh, a technology born to handle thousands and thousands of devices with wireless connectivity and low energy cost. The Bluetooth Mesh network plays a crucial and critical role in facilitating such IoT industry upgrading processes due to its unique benefits and key advantages, such as high performance, robust security, low energy consumption, and ease of deployment (Lee, 2024). In most recent cases, Wirepas Mesh turned out to be a great success, providing reliable connectivity, easy installation, and superior performance of connecting million and millions of IoT devices into the network and ecosystem.

However, there is no such thing as perfect technology. Even a flawless solution cannot be implemented by itself. While recognizing the significance of Bluetooth Mesh as a powerful solution, what are the specific deployment requirements for using such advanced technology? With countless articles talking about its benefits, few of them inform users of how to use a Bluetooth Mesh network exactly. In this article, we'll dive into the key factors that need to be considered.

Key Requirements of Implementing Bluetooth Mesh

Certification and Compliance

From the supply side, it is necessary and imperative to obtain relevant certifications and ensure that the products sold are strictly complying with industry-specific requirements. Uncertified products that don't pass the testing or fail to meet the standard will not be accepted by the market. From the demand side, customers should also be aware of such certifications and compliance rules because they will serve as key decision criteria, guiding customers to distinguish qualified and compatible IoT devices from unqualified and incompatible ones.

Bluetooth SIG Certification

No matter whether buying or selling your Bluetooth IoT devices, you should always remember to check whether your IoT devices are certified and can support the standards given by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). SIG is a hub of Bluetooth technologies, supervising the development of Bluetooth technologies applied in various industries (About Us | Bluetooth® Technology Website, n.d.). Acquiring SIG certification and sticking to SIG protocols means your IoT devices are compatible and can communicate with other IoT devices under Bluetooth wireless connectivity.

Your devices also need to meet all technical requirements in order to effectively participate in Bluetooth Mesh networks. Aspects to be considered typically include frequency, power output, and protocol implementation. In the following part, we will dive deeper into how to implement a Bluetooth Mesh network by focusing on both software and hardware requirements.

Paralleled Network Design

Proper network design is vital for creating a reliable and scalable Bluetooth MESH network. Topology planning or the design of the mesh network structure will greatly impact the network’s performance, scalability, and reliability. According to SIG, a Bluetooth LE 4.x or 5.0 stack needs to support the GAP Broadcaster and Observer roles. In addition, users are strongly recommended to buy SKU from a Bluetooth Mesh solution provider who are more qualified to offer Bluetooth Mesh networking protocol and models with corresponding APIs (Bluetooth Mesh Networking FAQs | Bluetooth® Technology Website, n.d.).

Node density is another key factor when designing a Bluetooth mesh network. Adequate node density ensures effective communication and coverage. Since a mesh network relies on connected nodes to relay information, adding new devices not only equalizes expanding the network but also ensures more routes will be established to ensure information & data transmission.

Does more always mean better? A larger amount of nodes measured in absolute value does not necessarily ensure the higher performance provided by the Bluetooth Mesh network. The mesh network may not work very well as anticipated if Bluetooth devices (e.g., sensors, beacons, tags, and trackers) are not distributed evenly. It might not be an ideal case when too many devices are placed in one area while other areas receive too few.

Compatible Hardware and Firmware

To leverage Bluetooth MESH, your IoT devices need to be equipped with the appropriate hardware components. For instance, the common-like requirements are devices must support Bluetooth 4.0 at a minimum and Bluetooth 5.0 is preferred. Bluetooth 5.0 is preferred for its enhanced broadcasting of messages, higher data transmission speed, and extended range of communication. Such key features will enable nodes within the mesh network to communicate with other devices more effectively despite the greater distances. Besides a high-performing and reliable wireless connectivity, you also need to have a transceiver that supports mesh networking functions.

While the above mentioned IoT hardware features ensure IoT devices will meet the basic requirements of one Bluetooth Mesh network, the firmware is critical for whether your mesh network operates efficiently and securely. On the one side, the Bluetooth Mesh stack is crucial during the process of implementing your network because it is responsible for core functionalities of the mesh network, including node communication, message relaying, and network management. On the other side, the capability for OTA updates will enable users with easy maintenance during the daily operation. It allows users to fix bugs, prevent unauthorized firmware modifications, and enhanced the overall operational efficiency of the entire mesh network.

Conclusion & Takeaways

Understanding the requirements for using Bluetooth MESH in IoT devices is essential for deploying a successful and efficient network. By ensuring compliance with industry standards, selecting compatible hardware, and implementing robust firmware and software solutions, you can harness the full potential of Bluetooth MESH technology.

For more FAQs and detailed information regarding Bluetooth Mesh Certificate based on SIG standards, please refer to the hyperlink below and our related articles.

https://www.bluetooth.com/bluetooth-resources/mesh-certificate-based-provisioning-technical-overview/

Works Cited

About Us | Bluetooth® Technology Website. (n.d.). Bluetooth® Technology Website. https://www.bluetooth.com/about-us/

Bluetooth Mesh Networking FAQs | Bluetooth® Technology Website. (n.d.-b). Bluetooth® Technology Website. https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/feature-enhancements/mesh/mesh-faq/

Yin, J., Yang, Z., Cao, H., Liu, T., Zhou, Z., & Wu, C. (2019). A Survey on Bluetooth 5.0 and Mesh. ACM Transactions on Sensor Networks, 15(3), 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1145/3317687

Lee, L. (2024b, January 4). Bluetooth Mesh Ushers in a New Era of Reliable, Cost-Effective DevelopmentBluetooth Mesh が切り拓く、信頼性とコスト効率に優れた開発の新時代 | Bluetooth® Technology Website. Bluetooth® Technology Website. https://www.bluetooth.com/blog/bluetooth-mesh-ushers-in-a-new-era-of-reliable-cost-effective-development/