With growing demand for accurate indoor positioning, Bluetooth beacons have emerged as a leading solution. How do beacons compare to other technologies like WiFi and GPS?
Bluetooth Beacons
Bluetooth beacons are compact, wireless transmitters that broadcast Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals containing a unique identifier detectable by nearby smartphones. Typical indoor ranges are 50+ meters.
Thousands of inexpensive beacons can be installed in a venue to provide positioning accuracy down to 1-3 meters for navigation apps. Beacons are purpose-built for microlocation using BLE signaling.
WiFi Access Points
Standard WiFi routers found in homes, offices and public venues can also be used for indoor positioning by leveraging the WiFi signals emitted. Signal strength at a given device location helps estimate positioning.
However, accuracy is lower with WiFi, often only 5-10 meters due to complex RF propagation indoors. It requires substantial mapping and analytics. WiFi access points are not specifically designed for positioning.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS provides the gold standard for outdoor navigation by triangulating signals from overhead satellites. Accuracy can be within several meters in ideal conditions.
But GPS struggles indoors where satellite signals are substantially weakened passing through roofs and walls. Indoor accuracy may degrade to 50+ meters, making GPS unsuitable for indoor spaces.
Choosing the Right Technology
For large-scale indoor positioning:
- Bluetooth beacons offer the best combination of accuracy, scalability and cost-effectiveness. Purpose-built for microlocation.
- WiFi access points are already widespread but provide lower accuracy. Can complement beacons in some hybrid positioning systems.
- GPS is not feasible for indoor navigation due to major signal degradation. Best reserved for outdoor use.
Bluetooth beacon networks enable superb accuracy unmatched by WiFi or GPS alone. For precise indoor positioning, beacons are the clear choice for the future.
