Registered company in England and Wales 04277517. VAT registration GB776671285. EORI GB776671285000
BLE Trackers Vs Trackers with BLE
Introduction
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) trackers, such as Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags, have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a range of benefits for both personal and business use. However, like any technology, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the differences between BLE trackers and trackers with BLE to help you decide what is right for you.
What’s the Difference?
Both types of tracker utilise the BLE technology, but they serve different purposes. BLE trackers are designed exclusively for tracking purposes, with a limited set of features and integrations. Whilst trackers with BLE incorporate the technology as one of their many features, which could include anything from panic alarms and fall-down alerts to DTC fault code data.
How Do They Work?
BLE trackers use Bluetooth to connect to a social backhaul (compatible mobile phones) of devices in order to send data over the mobile networks. This essentially means that the BLE device requires other compatible phones to be in range of the tracker to work, otherwise it has no way of sending data to the relevant tracking services (such as Apples’ Find My & Samsungs’ SmartThings Find). See diagram below.
Trackers with BLE skip this step and use the mobile networks to send data to the internet which can be accessed by the user through their tracking portals.
Design Consequences
As a result of the devices needing to be connected to a social backhaul, this can affect location data by sending the wrong locations. For instance, during a scouts trip, a concerned parent received an alert that their son’s AirTag was showing him to be 3 miles away from the campsite. In reality, the AirTag had been unable to connect to a mobile phone until a passing car provided a brief connection. The car’s phone, however, did not have mobile connectivity until it was 3 miles away, at which point it sent the location update. This created the false impression that the boy was far from the campsite, even though he had been there the entire time. This scenario illustrates how the dependency on mobile phones can sometimes lead to misleading information with BLE trackers. Despite this, when in an areas with a social backhaul such as an airport or a household, the BLE trackers are fairly accurate, with AirTags being accurate up to 10 metres. Alternatively, Complexus offer BLE trackers as an additional feature paired with a tracker to facilitate driver identification for fleet management.
How Do They Compare?
Trackers with BLE integration don’t require a social backhaul of devices to operate, meaning that as long as you have mobile signal the device is tracking. For instance, the Complexus Service Package offers the best coverage across Europe, connecting to every available mobile network. Additionally, our trackers are accurate within 3 meters of the device’s location and provide various different features designed to make tracking simple and easy.
Why Choose BLE Trackers?
Low power consumption: One of the standout features of BLE trackers is their exceptionally low energy consumption. Designed to operate with minimal power, these trackers can function for extended periods on a single battery. This efficiency is achieved through the ability to remain in a low-power state when not actively transmitting data, only using significant energy during brief communication bursts. This ensures reliable, long-term performance without the need for constant power source management.
Cost effective: BLE trackers are cost-effective due to their relatively low deployment and maintenance costs. Their low power consumption means that batteries can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering long-term operational costs. This combination of affordability and low maintenance makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to implement efficient and budget-friendly tracking solutions.
Ease of use: Renowned for their ease of use, BLE trackers are accessible to a wide range of users. Setting up these trackers is straightforward, often requiring just a few simple steps to pair them with a compatible mobile device. Additionally, the compact and lightweight design allows them to be easily attached to various items.
BLE Tracker Drawbacks
Mobile phone dependency: One of the key considerations when using BLE trackers is their dependency on mobile phones. To fully utilise the capabilities of BLE trackers, users typically need a compatible mobile device with the necessary app installed. This reliance on smartphones can be a limitation, especially for individuals who do not own such devices or in environments where mobile signal is limited.
Signal interference: A common issue is that they are susceptible to various forms of interference that can impact their performance. One common issue is signal interference from other electronic devices operating on the same 2.4 GHz frequency band, such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. This frequency congestion can lead to degraded signal quality and connectivity issues. Additionally, physical obstructions like walls, metal objects, and even water can significantly weaken Bluetooth signals, causing disruptions and reducing the effective range. Electromagnetic interference from power lines and electrical circuits can also pose challenges, further complicating the reliability of these devices. Understanding these potential interferences is crucial for users to mitigate their impact and ensure more stable and consistent performance.
Limitations: While useful for basic location tracking, BLE trackers often have limited functionality compared to more advanced tracking solutions. They primarily provide location data and may lack additional features such as detailed analytics, environmental monitoring, or remote vehicle immobilisation. This can be a drawback for businesses that require comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Tracking Sensors
Similar to BLE trackers, there are BLE tracking sensors on the market such as the Eye Sensor, which can be paired with a compatible tracker or a mobile phone which act as the social backhaul.
The Eye Sensor has temperature, humidity, accelerometer and magnet detection sensors for various applications like tracking perishables or pharmaceuticals where temperature and humidity are important.
Realistic Applications
Whilst BLE trackers have their advantages, due to their design they lack the ability to track without other devices. This means that they can be good for tracking keys or luggage at the airport, but not for asset or vehicle tracking up and down the country in low signal / low population areas. For comprehensive tracking solutions, trackers that integrate BLE technology as a feature would be better suited for these deployments.
Check out our range of Complexus Trackers here.
For more information visit:
- our website https://complexus.uk
- or email us at info@complexus.uk
Introduction
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) trackers, such as Apple AirTags and Samsung SmartTags, have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a range of benefits for both personal and business use. However, like any technology, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore the differences between BLE trackers and trackers with BLE to help you decide what is right for you.
What’s the Difference?
Both types of tracker utilise the BLE technology, but they serve different purposes. BLE trackers are designed exclusively for tracking purposes, with a limited set of features and integrations. Whilst trackers with BLE incorporate the technology as one of their many features, which could include anything from panic alarms and fall-down alerts to DTC fault code data.
How Do They Work?
BLE trackers use Bluetooth to connect to a social backhaul (compatible mobile phones) of devices in order to send data over the mobile networks. This essentially means that the BLE device requires other compatible phones to be in range of the tracker to work, otherwise it has no way of sending data to the relevant tracking services (such as Apples’ Find My & Samsungs’ SmartThings Find). See diagram below.
Trackers with BLE skip this step and use the mobile networks to send data to the internet which can be accessed by the user through their tracking portals.
Design Consequences
As a result of the devices needing to be connected to a social backhaul, this can affect location data by sending the wrong locations. For instance, during a scouts trip, a concerned parent received an alert that their son’s AirTag was showing him to be 3 miles away from the campsite. In reality, the AirTag had been unable to connect to a mobile phone until a passing car provided a brief connection. The car’s phone, however, did not have mobile connectivity until it was 3 miles away, at which point it sent the location update. This created the false impression that the boy was far from the campsite, even though he had been there the entire time. This scenario illustrates how the dependency on mobile phones can sometimes lead to misleading information with BLE trackers. Despite this, when in an areas with a social backhaul such as an airport or a household, the BLE trackers are fairly accurate, with AirTags being accurate up to 10 metres. Alternatively, Complexus offer BLE trackers as an additional feature paired with a tracker to facilitate driver identification for fleet management.
How Do They Compare?
Trackers with BLE integration don’t require a social backhaul of devices to operate, meaning that as long as you have mobile signal the device is tracking. For instance, the Complexus Service Package offers the best coverage across Europe, connecting to every available mobile network. Additionally, our trackers are accurate within 3 meters of the device’s location and provide various different features designed to make tracking simple and easy.
Why Choose BLE Trackers?
Low power consumption: One of the standout features of BLE trackers is their exceptionally low energy consumption. Designed to operate with minimal power, these trackers can function for extended periods on a single battery. This efficiency is achieved through the ability to remain in a low-power state when not actively transmitting data, only using significant energy during brief communication bursts. This ensures reliable, long-term performance without the need for constant power source management.
Cost effective: BLE trackers are cost-effective due to their relatively low deployment and maintenance costs. Their low power consumption means that batteries can last for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering long-term operational costs. This combination of affordability and low maintenance makes them an attractive option for businesses looking to implement efficient and budget-friendly tracking solutions.
Ease of use: Renowned for their ease of use, BLE trackers are accessible to a wide range of users. Setting up these trackers is straightforward, often requiring just a few simple steps to pair them with a compatible mobile device. Additionally, the compact and lightweight design allows them to be easily attached to various items.
BLE Tracker Drawbacks
Mobile phone dependency: One of the key considerations when using BLE trackers is their dependency on mobile phones. To fully utilise the capabilities of BLE trackers, users typically need a compatible mobile device with the necessary app installed. This reliance on smartphones can be a limitation, especially for individuals who do not own such devices or in environments where mobile signal is limited.
Signal interference: A common issue is that they are susceptible to various forms of interference that can impact their performance. One common issue is signal interference from other electronic devices operating on the same 2.4 GHz frequency band, such as Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens, and cordless phones. This frequency congestion can lead to degraded signal quality and connectivity issues. Additionally, physical obstructions like walls, metal objects, and even water can significantly weaken Bluetooth signals, causing disruptions and reducing the effective range. Electromagnetic interference from power lines and electrical circuits can also pose challenges, further complicating the reliability of these devices. Understanding these potential interferences is crucial for users to mitigate their impact and ensure more stable and consistent performance.
Limitations: While useful for basic location tracking, BLE trackers often have limited functionality compared to more advanced tracking solutions. They primarily provide location data and may lack additional features such as detailed analytics, environmental monitoring, or remote vehicle immobilisation. This can be a drawback for businesses that require comprehensive tracking capabilities.
Tracking Sensors
Similar to BLE trackers, there are BLE tracking sensors on the market such as the Eye Sensor, which can be paired with a compatible tracker or a mobile phone which act as the social backhaul.
The Eye Sensor has temperature, humidity, accelerometer and magnet detection sensors for various applications like tracking perishables or pharmaceuticals where temperature and humidity are important.
Realistic Applications
Whilst BLE trackers have their advantages, due to their design they lack the ability to track without other devices. This means that they can be good for tracking keys or luggage at the airport, but not for asset or vehicle tracking up and down the country in low signal / low population areas. For comprehensive tracking solutions, trackers that integrate BLE technology as a feature would be better suited for these deployments.
Check out our range of Complexus Trackers here.
For more information visit:
- our website https://complexus.uk
- or email us at info@complexus.uk