Bluetooth to support mesh networking

1 min read

Bluetooth technology now supports mesh networking, says the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). The new mesh capability enables many-to-many device communications and is optimised for creating large-scale device networks.

According to the SIG, mesh networking is suited to building automation, sensor networks and other IoT solutions where tens, hundreds or thousands of devices need to reliably and securely communicate with one another.

Bluetooth mesh is said to deliver global interoperability that assures products from different vendors work together. Bluetooth features a full-stack approach that defines the low-level radio up to the high-level application layer, ensuring all aspects of the technology are fully specified.

“Multi-vendor interoperability is a major factor in determining how fast markets develop,” said Russ Sharer, vice president of global marketing and business development, Fulham. “Fulham is excited to finally see a wireless, multi-vendor, interoperable standard for lighting controls and we believe Bluetooth mesh networking will greatly expand the size and functionality of the market.”

“Within the building automation market, there is a growing focus on connected lighting and the role it can play as a platform for providing automation services throughout a facility,” said Szymon Slupik, president and CTO of Silvair and chairman of the mesh working group within the Bluetooth SIG.

“A smart lighting platform built on top of Bluetooth mesh networking can also support asset tracking, point of interest, and way-finding services.”