It’s incredible how far Bluetooth has come since its inception by Ericsson back in 1994. Originally designed to replace cables between devices, this wireless standard now seamlessly connects entire smart homes and fuels next-gen technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT).
The technology behind Bluetooth continues to advance rapidly. The latest iteration, Bluetooth 5.4, brings improved performance, extended range, better power efficiency, and expanded capabilities over previous versions.
But before we dive into the new features, let’s briefly go over what exactly Bluetooth is and how it has evolved over the past two decades.
What Exactly Is Bluetooth, and How Does it Work?
Bluetooth operates on globally available radio waves in the 2.4 GHz frequency band to enable short-range wireless connections between devices. You can find Bluetooth functionality in phones, speakers, headphones, game controllers, smartwatches, and a whole range of smart home accessories.
It allows fast, reliable data transfer between connected devices thanks to a technique called frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS).
FHSS allows Bluetooth radios to rapidly switch frequencies within the 2.4 GHz band, minimizing interference from other wireless devices operating in the same spectrum.
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Unlike Wi-Fi, which also uses 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth is optimized more for simple one-to-one connections rather than complex networks. That’s what makes it perfect for speakers, wearables, controllers, and smart home devices to seamlessly communicate with each other.
The Evolution of Bluetooth Standards Over the Past 20 Years
Since its 1.0 release in 1999, several Bluetooth versions have added new capabilities:
- Bluetooth 1.x offered basic wireless connectivity between devices like headphones and phones
- Bluetooth 2.x brought faster Enhanced Data Rates (EDR) to allow higher-quality audio streaming
- Bluetooth 3.x delivered even faster data transfers by harnessing high-speed Wi-Fi networks
- Bluetooth 4.x introduced Low Energy (LE) for ultra-power-efficient communication between devices. This paved the way for beacon technology and smart home devices.
- Bluetooth 5.0 extended the range up to 800 feet, sped up to 2 Mbps and improved interoperability between connected devices
- Bluetooth 5.4 focuses on enhancing periodic communication networks used by IoT technology
Introducing Bluetooth 5.4: What’s New and Exciting?
The latest Bluetooth 5.4 brings features like Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR) and an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) profile to extend Bluetooth 5.0’s capabilities even further into the IoT domain.
Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR)
Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR) is a feature introduced in Bluetooth 5.4 that extends the periodic advertising protocol from Bluetooth 5.0.
In simple terms, periodic advertising is when a device sends out data at regular intervals. This was a one-way communication, meaning the device could only send data but not receive any.
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PAwR changes this by allowing two-way communication. Now, the devices that receive this periodic advertising can also send responses back to the original device. This means you can have a large network of devices that can both send and receive data while using very little power.
This can be particularly useful in situations where you need to manage a large number of devices that have limited power, such as sensor networks, warehouse management systems, or electronic shelf labels.
Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) profile
Using PAwR technology, Bluetooth 5.4 makes it possible for a retail store to monitor and change electronic labels on different products remotely.
The Electronic Shelf Label profile (ESL) provides all the necessary information and instructions for such connections to be established and managed easily.
Encrypted Advertising Data
This new type of connection with multiple ESL devices requires encryption to preserve confidentiality, avoid tampering, and secure the network.
Bluetooth 5.4 provides a standardized way of encrypting data in advertising in order to keep the connection secure.
What Does the Future Hold for Bluetooth and Connectivity?
While range, speed, and connectivity saw major improvements since Bluetooth 5.0, the latest 5.4 focuses on enhancing periodic communication networks between devices.
By adding encryption, two-way transmitting, and profiles tailored for smart retail, Bluetooth 5.4 lays the groundwork for more IoT and wireless innovation down the road.
We are now seeing Bluetooth power entire smart home and office ecosystems consisting of dozens of devices seamlessly connected. With capabilities extending into industrial IoT with Bluetooth 5.4, the future looks brighter and more wireless than ever!
