Bluetooth 6.0 vs. Bluetooth 5.4: Key advantages
Bluetooth 6.0 is the latest in a series of releases that have brought innovation and enhancements to the world’s most widely used short-range wireless communications protocol. Succeeding Bluetooth 5.4, this new release introduces several performance-enhancing features, along with improved positioning accuracy. Security levels are higher, transmission speeds are faster, and larger data bandwidths enable faster file transfers and smoother media streaming. Connection stability is enhanced, reducing interference and interruptions, transmission range is increased, and lower levels of power consumption are supported, prolonging battery lives.
Before focusing on the opportunities enabled by Bluetooth 6.0’s new positioning capabilities, let’s take a closer look at the other five new features:
- Decision-based advertising filtering improves the efficiency of the Bluetooth LE device by filtering duplicate advertising packets so that only one broadcast packet is received from each device.
- Monitoring advertisers improves the scanning efficiency of the BLE device by informing the host when devices of interest move in and out of range.
- Isochronous Adaptation Layer (ISOAL) Enhancement enables larger data frames to be transmitted in smaller link-layer packets, reducing latency and improving reliability.
- LL Extended Feature Set allows devices to exchange the shared link-layer feature information they both support.
- Frame Space Update replaces the fixed 150 µs interval between adjacent data packets with a negotiable interval, optimizing data throughput.
How Bluetooth Channel Sounding revolutionizes device positioning
Bluetooth Channel Sounding delivers significant improvements in measurement accuracy and ranging, compared to Direction Finding or the received signal strength (RSSI) method, and offers improved security against man-in-the-middle and relay attacks.
Two advanced distance measurement techniques, phase-based ranging (PBR) and round-trip time (RTT), are employed to enable fine ranging between two connected BLE devices. One BLE device, identifying as the initiator, transmits a signal which is detected and received by the second device, which identifies as the reflector. The devices then use either PBR, RTT, or both, to coordinate ranging between up to 72 channels within the 2.4 GHz spectrum, with between one and four antenna paths connecting the two devices.
With PBR, Figure 1a, the distance between the initiator and reflector is precisely calculated using the phase difference between the transmitted and received signals. RTT, Figure 1b, estimates the distance between the two devices by calculating the time of flight (ToF) of the signal. Time of arrival (ToA) and time of departure (ToD) are both recorded and distance is calculated using the difference between them. Together, these techniques allow the connected devices to accurately determine the distance between them, even when they’re very far apart.
Fine ranging, enabled by Bluetooth 6
Along with its superior positioning accuracy, Bluetooth Channel Sounding offers the following significant benefits to the developer:
- Up to four antenna paths between devices and eight possible antenna combinations, Bluetooth Channel Sounding enables a signal to use alternative routes when interference or noise is present. This enhances the robustness and accuracy of distance measurement and is particularly useful for devices such as asset tags.
- Channel Sounding can be combined with AoA and AoD for applications such as indoor positioning and asset tracking, which require both combined distance estimation and direction finding.
- Bluetooth Channel Sounding integrates a range of built-in security features to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks and relay attacks. A distributed random bit generator (DRBG) randomizes channel selection and other aspects of ranging, and all ranging and data exchange information is transmitted over an encrypted connection.
The transformative benefits of Bluetooth 6.0: enhanced security and precision tracking
Bluetooth 6.0’s new features and capabilities are set to dramatically improve the performance and efficiency of connected wireless devices. Channel Sounding offers the possibility of high-precision positioning for devices that are not equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) chips, opening new opportunities for hardware developers, and improving consumer convenience. Obvious target applications for Bluetooth Channel Sounding can be split into two specific categories:
- Localization, including people, pets, and asset tracking, where locator devices find the exact position of a tracking device.
- Proximity awareness, including applications such as smart locks and keyless entry systems, where security is crucial in preventing unauthorized network access. Smart locks, geofencing, FindMy, and vehicle keyless entry are all examples of applications that will benefit from Bluetooth 6.0’s enhanced security features to restrict and control access to secure spaces and systems.
As a standardized feature, developers can expect Channel Sounding to be widely available in new BLE products coming to market, such as systems-on-chip (SoC) and indoor positioning modules. Additionally, since many target applications will already rely on BLE for data transmission, Channel Sounding will effectively come free of charge. No additional components or PCB real estate will be required, reducing implementation costs when compared to other technologies such as ultra-wideband.
Are you ready to harness Bluetooth 6.0’s centimeter-level positioning accuracy?
Bluetooth Channel Sounding promises to revolutionize applications across consumer, enterprise, and industrial sectors. Lost items will be easier and faster to locate, and the security of digital key solutions will be improved, ensuring that only authorized users can unlock doors or access secure areas. Bluetooth mice, keyboards, and game controllers will automatically switch between active and inactive states based on their distance from the laptop or console. On the factory floor, this innovative Bluetooth technology will bring distance awareness to human-machine interface (HMI) systems, increasing operator safety.
Already a ubiquitous technology, Bluetooth device shipments are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 8%, to reach 7.4 billion by 2028, and new Bluetooth 6.0 devices coming to market will unlock huge opportunities for developers of applications across all sectors.
