The requirements for modern Real-Time Location Solutions (RTLS) continue to increase. Organizations not only expect reliable localization of people and assets, but increasingly also higher positioning accuracy, faster response times, and a flexible infrastructure that can be operated in a cost-efficient manner.
At the same time, demands on the underlying hardware are growing. In particular, in complex environments with a large number of mobile objects and a high density of Bluetooth devices, the performance of the infrastructure plays a critical role.
With the new infsoft Locator Node Dongle, an advanced hardware component is available that is specifically designed to meet these requirements.
BLE 6 Channel Sounding support for improved positioning accuracy
Bluetooth Low Energy has become an established technology for the localization of people and assets. With BLE 6, additional possibilities emerge – particularly through Channel Sounding, which enables more precise distance measurements between infrastructure and mobile devices. The new infsoft Locator Node Dongle therefore supports both classic BLE positioning via RSSI and BLE 6 Channel Sounding.
Standard positioning continues to rely on energy-efficient RSSI-based localization, providing a typical accuracy of approximately 5–8 meters depending on the environment and infrastructure density. Channel Sounding complements this approach for selected use cases where higher precision is temporarily required. As the technology requires an active connection between the Locator Node and the tag, it is used selectively and on demand, for example for temporary precision measurements.
Improved performance through dual BLE radio interfaces
In addition to positioning accuracy, data processing speed is critical for the overall quality of an RTLS solution.
While many BLE devices process transmission and scanning sequentially, the new infsoft Locator Node Dongle is equipped with two integrated BLE radio interfaces. This enables parallel execution of different processes.
In practical terms, this means:
Especially in environments with a high number of beacons, tags, or mobile assets, this delivers a noticeable performance improvement.
Scalable infrastructure with minimal installation effort
Despite its extended functionality, the core principle of the Locator Node Dongle remains unchanged: maximum flexibility with minimal installation effort.
By leveraging existing USB power sources and Wi-Fi-based communication, the infrastructure can be deployed or expanded quickly and efficiently. This results in consistently low installation and maintenance costs, providing a cost-effective alternative to more complex infrastructure concepts.
In addition to technological innovation, simple integration remains a key advantage of the Locator Node Dongle. Network connectivity continues to be provided via Wi-Fi. Power is supplied via a standard USB interface, for example through access points, monitors, or other existing devices. In many cases, additional cabling is therefore not required.
infsoft Locator Node Dongles as Gateways
Like the previous version, the new Locator Node Dongle acts as a gateway for additional infrastructure components, including:
This enables organizations to seamlessly expand their existing infrastructure and adapt it to evolving requirements.
With the BLE as a Service tool, the infsoft LocAware platform® enables centralized management of BLE-enabled devices and the transmission of Bluetooth data to third-party systems. Features such as over-the-air firmware updates, device status monitoring, and support for hardware from various manufacturers ensure a scalable and future-proof BLE infrastructure.
Key differences at a glance
Key Takeaways
With the new generation of the infsoft Locator Node Dongle, the existing infrastructure platform is being further evolved in a targeted manner. Support for BLE 6 Channel Sounding establishes the foundation for more precise positioning applications, while the integration of two BLE radio interfaces significantly increases overall infrastructure performance.
At the same time, the characteristics that have already made the Locator Node Dongle a flexible infrastructure component remain unchanged: simple installation, straightforward scalability, and low operational costs.
