Indoor Positioning Using BLE 4.0 / 5.1 Tags
BLE 4.0 / 5.1 tags are small
Bluetooth hardware components ("beacons") that are used to locate people, objects or vehicles. BLE tags can not only be used in server-based procedures (asset tracking, position is determined on a server), but also in client-based applications (indoor navigation, position is calculated and visualized on a mobile device).
Bluetooth is the protocol of choice for implementing proximity solutions.
Bluetooth Low Energy 4.0 is a proven, particularly energy-efficient standard that paved the way for numerous RTLS and IoT solutions (beacon tracking, indoor navigation with beacons). Thanks to Angle of Arrival (AoA) technology, the
new 5.1 version of the Bluetooth specification will shortly enable applications for direction finding and centimeter-accurate (server-based) positioning. As a result, even assets stored close to each other can be clearly identified. When using Bluetooth 5.1, however, it should be noted that a reliable localization can only be achieved with an existing line-of-sight between beacon and receiver hardware. Thus, the application makes particular sense for tracking systems in open areas (e.g. industrial halls).