Exploring BLE Architecture

In my recent post we have covered introduction to BLE and some use cases. Now let's discuss some technical insight's and architecture. First we need to understand the BLE paradigm in detail. BLE paradigm operates in a pair where every device performs a role either it can be Central, Peripheral, Receiver or Broadcaster.

First pair in the BLE paradigm would be Central-Peripheral, The central device scans for the peripherals (devices) and advertisements. Where peripheral produces advertisements.
The primary step in Central-Peripheral pair is to establish connection. The central device establishes connection to peripheral and requests for the more data. Basically the pair works on request and response model. 

Another pair Broadcaster-Receiver is the best one. Where in this pair we need not to establish connection. The Broadcaster device simply broadcasts data packets continuously without knowing who is consuming it. And receiver receives data packets transmitted from broadcaster device.

This pair is based on No connection, no requests, no response model. Simply transmit data packets in the air and compatible devices will consume it and use for its purpose.

Now we are well aware of roles of BLE devices and can easily differentiate them as per the categories. But before we move further and transmit or receive data we must know the data structure inside device.

Every peripheral device has a profile specification for exposing data. Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) specification determines how these small data will be send and receive over BLE networks. These small data packet is called as Attribute.

GATT is nothing but collection of services. Where services include different Characteristics (functions) for a device. Every Characteristics is explained by a Descriptor. Each function of a service can have multiple descriptors, These descriptors contains metadata about the type of the value or any other configuration information. For example in heart bit proximity sensor, Descriptor can tell about the unit of distance weather it is a feet or meter.

In my next coming post I will be demonstrating basic functionalities for Android BLE app.

Introduction to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Bluetooth low energy or Bluetooth LE, called as Bluetooth Smart. BLE is a new version of Bluetooth Wireless technology specially designed to reduced power consumption over classic Bluetooth. It works for years on single coin cell batteries. Its small size makes us enabled to place anywhere also it is maintenance free and compatible with any form of BLE devices such as Smart phones, Laptops, Sports and fitness devices, Google wearable etc..

What is BLE technology?

The technology makes it perfect for devices needing 

to run off a tiny battery for years, the advantage of Bluetooth Smart is its ability to work with an applications on the smartphone or tablet you have installed.  It is easy for developers to create solutions that will work with the billions of Bluetooth enabled products already in the market today.


 How could BLE benefits?

There are several use cases where ble can benefit such as retails, marketing/sales, automation etc.. But For simpler example : You could add a BLE beacon to your car and unlock the car only whenever you are close to the

car. For a less extreme approach, you could set your BLE beacon up so that anytime the car is driven and you’re not close to it, you get notified. That way, you can still drive it when you forget your cell-phone, but you know if someone else is driving it while you’re not around.

BLE is not a future, its now and on the field to battle the current technology trend.

The technology has gained an early foothold in several industries like automotive PC peripherals, and consumer electronics. With the advancement of Bluetooth Smart, many fitness and sports companies started to integrate the

new technology because of its low power consumption and ability to connect to

smartphone apps. It is the perfect fit for a wide range of devices from heart-rate monitors to exercise cycling counters. Now Bluetooth Smart technology is powering many verticals from wireless medical instruments and home automation to retail and wearables. 


BLE supported smartphones:

• Phones with Android version 4.3 and Bluetooth 4.0
• iOS 5 and later.
• Windows phone 8.1.
• BlackBerry 10.

Advantages of BLE:

• Power independent.
• Low power requirements, Can operate for years on a coin-cell batteries.
• Smaller in a size to fit anywhere and lower cost.
• Compatible with mobile phones, laptops, tablets computers and fitness devices. 

Applications of BLE:

• Health Care:

1. Temperature measurement.
2. Blood glucose monitors.
3. Blood pressure measurement.

• Fitness and Sports:

1. Heart rate measure.
2. Exercise monitoring with measuring counts and speed.
3. Location tracking sensors and Navigation.

• Proximity sensing:

1. Misplaced devices or ble attached objects can be found.
2. Detects range between to ble devices. 

Features of BLE:

• Data transfer speed upto 1 mbps.
• Range 100 m (>330 ft).
• Client - server model.
• Short commands based communication. 
• Secure uses UUIDs to identify devices. 

Become BLE and be smart.

 

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