Bluetooth® Low Energy
Contactless data communication and mobile
authentication for longer distances up to 10 meters.
What is BLE?
Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), also known as Bluetooth® Smart, is a short-range radio technology for distances up to 10 meters operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The main difference from RFID is that the information carriers (BLE devices) are active radio transmitters (beacons) and require a power source such as a battery. The beacons support contactless communication with BLE-capable mobile phones and other readers. Smartphones can also be used as radio transmitters, e.g., for mobile authentication.
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Which applications use BLE?
Bluetooth® Low Energy can be used in all applications that require nearby area data exchange. For example, keyring finders are typical and well-known BLE beacons. BLE is very effective for these types of scenarios since it covers a distance of several meters. Similar to RFID badges, BLE can also be used for identification and credential management. In these cases, hybrid readers are employed that can read both RFID transponders and active BLE beacons. For opening controlled-access emergency room doors requiring coverage for a distance of several meters. BLE is also suited for secure authentication at short distances, such as for smartphone identification.