Implementing BLE Asset Tracking with IoT Gateways: What, Why And How

Understanding The Fundamentals: BLE, IoT Gateways, and Asset Tracking

What Is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a wireless technology designed for short-range communication with minimal power consumption. Unlike classic Bluetooth, which is used for continuous data streaming like audio, BLE specializes in short bursts of data transfer. This makes it ideal for applications like asset tracking, where small bits of location information are sent at intervals.

BLE asset tags can run for months or even years on a single battery, thanks to BLE's power-saving features. Additionally, BLE connects faster and transmits data more efficiently than classic Bluetooth, resulting in near-instantaneous updates on asset locations.

What Is IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of wirelessly connected physical devices that can exchange data with each other and communicate with the remote cloud server. This connection allows IoT devices to send data to the cloud, as well as be remotely monitored and controlled from a single web dashboard. IoT implementation leads to improved efficiency, accuracy, and economic benefit, in addition to reduced human intervention and manual labor. The IoT is transforming industries like construction, field services, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare, revolutionizing how we live and work.

What Is IoT Gateway

Local IoT devices often have only short range communication ability, via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), RFID, Zigbee or other protocols. They can communicate to each other using short range communication, but in order to connect to the internet these devices need an IoT gateway.

An IoT gateway acts as a bridge between the local sensors and devices and the cloud software. One gateway can collect data from multiple sensors and smart tags, process data locally (it is called edge data processing), and then securely transmit filtered and batched data to the cloud system. Many IoT gateways support bi-directional communication for remote control and management of local devices.

In a nutshell, IoT gateways extend the reach and capabilities of IoT networks, making them scalable, efficient, and reliable.

IoT Gateways And Their Role In BLE Asset Tracking

Why Do You Need IoT Gateways For BLE Asset Tracking

BLE tags are simple, inexpensive devices that only include a Bluetooth SoC, antenna, and battery. This design makes them very inexpensive, and therefore ideal for asset tracking. But it also means that BLE tags cannot connect to the internet on their own.

The sole function of a BLE tag is to emit an asset's unique identifier. To collect these identifiers and transmit them to a centralized system, you need a receiver capable of picking up BLE signals, processing them, and transferring the data. This can be a smartphone (equipped with a BLE-enabled app) or, a dedicated IoT gateway designed for this purpose.

IoT gateways play a crucial role in BLE asset tracking by extending the limited range of BLE signals and providing a bridge to the internet. They collect data from multiple tags, process it, and then securely transmit it to the cloud systems. This enables real-time, fully automated tracking of assets, providing valuable insights into their location, movement, usage, and potential issues.

The seamless integration of BLE and IoT technologies empowers businesses to optimize asset management, improve efficiency, and reduce losses.

The Functions Of IoT Gateways In BLE Asset Tracking Systems

IoT gateways in BLE asset tracking systems have four functions.

BLE IoT Gateways Types

BLE IoT gateways come in various forms, each tailored to specific needs and deployment scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the different types:

Standalone vs. Multi-Protocol IoT Gateways

Standalone BLE Gateways

These dedicated devices are designed solely for BLE asset tracking. They are compact, easy to install, and ideal for smaller deployments or those focused solely on BLE asset tracking.

Multi-Protocol Gateways

These versatile gateways support multiple wireless protocols, including BLE, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRaWAN. This flexibility allows you to connect various types of devices, providing a unified solution for multiple IoT applications and potentially saving on costs.

Cloud-Managed vs. Locally Managed IoT Gateways

Cloud-Managed Gateways

These gateways are managed and monitored remotely through a cloud-based platform, simplifying deployment, configuration, and maintenance. They are particularly well-suited for large-scale deployments with multiple gateways. However, they require external access, which may raise security concerns for some organizations.

Locally Managed Gateways

These gateways are managed locally or through an internal network, offering greater control and security. They are a good choice for smaller deployments or for companies with strict security policies.

Edge IoT Gateways vs. Pass-Through Gateways

Edge Gateways

These sophisticated gateways process data locally, filtering and aggregating it before transmitting only relevant updates to the cloud. This reduces data transmission volume and server load, resulting in cost savings and improved efficiency.

Pass-Through Gateways

These simpler gateways collect data from BLE tags and sensors and forward it directly to the cloud server without any local processing. While easier to set up, they can generate a high volume of redundant data, potentially increasing costs and straining cloud resources.

Indoor vs. Ruggedized IoT Gateways

Indoor Gateways

Designed for use in controlled environments, these gateways are compact and cost-effective but are not suitable for harsh conditions.

Ruggedized Gateways

These gateways are built to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, vibration, and other challenging conditions, making them ideal for industrial or outdoor deployments.

Cellular vs. Wi-Fi IoT Gateways

Wi-Fi Gateways

These gateways rely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, which is common in most indoor, and some outdoor environments.

Cellular Gateways

These gateways use cellular networks, making them suitable for remote or mobile deployments where Wi-Fi is unavailable.

The choice of a BLE IoT gateway depends on various factors, including the scale of deployment, required features, budget, and environmental conditions. By carefully assessing your needs, you can select the gateway that best aligns with your asset tracking goals.

Selecting the Right IoT Gateway for Your BLE Asset Tracking Project

Choosing the ideal IoT gateway for your BLE asset tracking project can be a daunting task, given the wide range of options available. However, by carefully considering your specific requirements and evaluating the key features of different gateways, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your project goals and budget.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting an IoT gateway:

• Compatibility Ensure the IoT gateway is compatible with your chosen BLE tags and the cloud platform or software you plan to use. Check for compatibility with the specific BLE protocols and data formats used by your tags.
• Range and Coverage Evaluate the gateway's range and determine if it can cover the desired tracking area. Consider factors like the size of your facility, obstacles that may impede signal transmission, and the density of assets to be tracked.
• Scalability If you anticipate expanding your asset tracking system in the future, choose a gateway that can easily scale to accommodate a larger number of tags and a wider coverage area.
• Connectivity Consider the available connectivity options in your deployment environment. If Wi-Fi is readily available, a Wi-Fi gateway might be suitable. However, for remote or outdoor locations, a cellular gateway might be necessary. Some gateways offer both options for greater flexibility.
• Data Processing Capabilities Determine if you need a simple pass-through gateway or an edge computing gateway with local data processing capabilities. Edge gateways can reduce bandwidth usage and server load but may be more expensive.
• Power Source IoT gateways can be powered by AC power, batteries, or Power over Ethernet (PoE). Choose a power source that aligns with your deployment environment and the gateway's placement.
• Ruggedness If your IoT gateways will be deployed in the harsh environment, prioritize ruggedized models designed to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, vibration, and other challenging conditions.
• Security Ensure the gateway has robust security features to protect your data and prevent unauthorized access. Look for features like encryption, authentication, and secure software updates.
• Ease of Management Consider the gateway's management interface and ease of use. Cloud-managed gateways typically offer a user-friendly web interface for remote monitoring and configuration, while locally managed gateways may require more technical expertise.
• Cost Finally, evaluate the total cost of ownership, including the initial purchase price, ongoing maintenance fees (if any), and potential data transmission costs. Compare different vendors and models to find the best value for your specific needs.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the right IoT gateway to empower your BLE asset tracking system and reap the benefits of improved efficiency, visibility, and control over your valuable assets.

Leverage Your Existing Devices: BLE Gateways on Android & iOS

Android and iOS devices can do double-duty as BLE gateways, saving you the cost of the specialized hardware. Similar to how these devices replaced dedicated barcode scanners, they can be transformed into IoT gateways with the right software. If you already have a network of iPads or Android tablets, you can leverage this existing infrastructure for asset tracking with minimal additional investment.

Advantages of Using iOS or Android Devices as IoT Gateways

Repurposing iOS or Android devices as BLE-based IoT gateways offers several compelling benefits:

• Effortless Network Connection Unlike dedicated gateways, which often require complex configurations, Android and iOS devices seamlessly connect to your network, simplifying setup and deployment.
• Intuitive User Interface The familiar interface of Android and iOS devices makes configuration and setup intuitive for anyone, eliminating the need for specialized technical knowledge.
• Built-In Connectivity Options Choose between Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, depending on your needs and available infrastructure. This flexibility allows you to deploy gateways wherever they're needed.
• Leverage Existing Devices Many organizations already have a fleet of Android or iOS devices used for various tasks. Repurposing them as gateways can drastically reduce hardware costs and streamline asset tracking implementation.
• Multi-Purpose Use & Cost Savings Even if you don't currently use these devices, adopting them as gateways can be significantly more cost-effective than purchasing dedicated hardware, especially for larger deployments. Plus, you gain the flexibility to use the devices for other purposes in the future.
• Scalability Expanding your system is easy and affordable. Simply install the gateway software on additional Android or iOS devices as needed, without the need to purchase expensive new hardware.

By leveraging the capabilities of your existing devices, you can create a cost-effective, flexible, and easy-to-manage BLE asset tracking solution that scales with your business needs.

More on Android and iOS based IoT gateways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, BLE asset tracking with IoT gateways is a powerful tool that can revolutionize how businesses manage their assets. By combining the simplicity and affordability of BLE tags with the connectivity and processing power of IoT gateways, companies can gain real-time visibility, streamline operations, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their resources. Whether you're a small business or a large enterprise, this technology offers a scalable and adaptable solution to meet your specific asset tracking needs. With the right planning and implementation, BLE asset tracking with IoT gateways can drive efficiency, reduce losses, and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Ready to take the next steps? Check out our powerful BLE asset tracking software, and contact us today to discuss you project.

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