Bluetooth has announced support for mesh networking that will enable devices to more easily communicate with each other across low-power wireless network. So unlike a Wi-Fi network where communication passes through a central router, mesh networking broadcasts a message out to all nearby devices.
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The technology is aimed at IoT solutions, building automation, sensor networks where thousands of devices need to reliably and securely communicate with one another. Bluetooth mesh networking is designed to meet the strict reliability, scalability and security requirements of wireless sensor network (IWSN). It can scale to support thousands of nodes, it supports multi-vendor interoperability, and it offers industrial-grade security.
Mark Powell, executive director for Bluetooth SIG, Inc said,
By adding support for mesh networking, the Bluetooth member community is continuing a long history of focused innovation to help new, up-and-coming markets flourish. In the same way the connected device market experienced rapid growth after the introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy, we believe Bluetooth mesh networking can play a vital role in helping early stage markets, such as building automation and wireless sensor networks, experience more rapid growth.
The Bluetooth mesh networking specifications, as well as the tools required to qualify Bluetooth products with mesh networking support, are now available at the Bluetooth website. Bluetooth mesh networking operates on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and is compatible with core specification version 4.0 and higher.