Since its inception in the mid-1990s, Bluetooth has become essential for connecting devices wirelessly. It permeates every aspect of your life, changing how you listen to music, talk on the phone, and even make your home and business smarter. As more devices use it to talk to one another, Bluetooth is evolving. Now that Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth LE) is an option, you may be wondering which is best for your needs. This post evaluates Bluetooth Low Energy vs. Bluetooth, outlining key differences and helping you choose the right technology.
Understanding Bluetooth Classic
Bluetooth Classic is also known as Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR). It is the familiar technology that transmits data across devices at higher speeds using radio waves. You typically use it to connect devices across longer distances, such as sound systems, keyboards, mice, headsets, and video game controllers. It communicates using a point-to-point broadcast, meaning only two devices can talk to each other over one connection.
A drawback of Bluetooth classic is how quickly it consumes energy. This technology transmits data on a spectrum of 2.402 – 2.480 GHz on an ISM band at 1 – 3 megabytes per second. Bluetooth classic typically drains phone batteries, headphones, and other devices faster than Bluetooth LE.
Exploring Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
BLE is also wireless technology that transmits data between devices using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. Since BLE transmits over 40 channels, it is more flexible than Bluetooth Classic. BLE can transmit data using a mesh signal, which enables you to connect a network of devices.
BLE communicates in short bursts, unlike Bluetooth Classic, which was designed to transmit data continuously.
Key Differences Between Bluetooth Classic and BLE
Knowing when to choose BLE vs. Bluetooth can be tricky, but it’s easier when you understand how they are different.
Power Consumption
Bluetooth was designed for streaming, which requires continuous data transmission at a high bandwidth. This is great for listening to music through your smartwatch, for example. However, if you don’t turn off the Bluetooth connection, it will shorten your battery life.
Bluetooth has undergone multiple upgrades since it was introduced. Bluetooth 5.0 offers a broader range of connection capabilities at higher speeds. It also includes a power saving mode that kicks in if you’re not actively using it.
Since BLE only transmits data in short bursts in a single direction, it uses less power. BLE devices have a much longer battery life.
Data Transfer Rates and Latency
BLE transmits data more slowly than Bluetooth Classic. Its data transmission rates range from 125 kilobytes per second to 2 megabytes per second. BLE has a higher latency rate than Bluetooth. Latency rates refer to the time it takes for a device to pick up a signal after it has been transmitted.
You might think Bluetooth Classic would have a higher latency rate, but BLE prioritizes small data transfers. It doesn’t process large volumes of data which lets BLE devices respond faster to inputs. This gives BLE a wide range of supply chain applications such as asset tracking and inventory management.
Use Cases and Applications
Bluetooth Classic lets you stream audio, movies, and other large data files through connected devices. You can also use it to transfer data between devices, including Air Dropping photos and videos between iPhones.
You’re probably already using Bluetooth to connect your phone to your car stereo to have hands-free conversations on the road or to use your phone navigation.
BLE has a wider range of applications. If you wear health monitors or medical smart devices, they are likely powered with BLE. BLE also powers IoT sensors, beacon tabs, and multiple smart home and building features.
Applications in Modern Technology
Bluetooth Classic and BLE are evolving with other technology. Here are some modern use cases of Bluetooth vs. Bluetooth Low Energy.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT refers to a network of connected physical devices. Smart home devices, tracking sensors, vehicles, appliances, and more use IoT technology to send and receive data. BLE lets these devices communicate with a central device, such as a smartphone, using short-range radio waves.
Your central device communicates with the IoT device, which receives the data. For example, if you have smart locks in your commercial building to control access, a person with the right app on their smart phone transmits a signal over BLE to open the door.
Consumer Electronics
Bluetooth allows two devices to exchange data through a connection. You connect devices by pairing them and then transmit your data. For example, many people use Airpods and other wireless headphones to talk on the phone or stream music while they workout.
You can also connect your smart TV to your phone, a video game controller, or a Bluetooth-enabled sound system. TV technology evolves faster than people replace their devices. Bluetooth lets you play content from apps you might not have on your smart TV yet.
Industrial and Commercial Uses
BLE and IoT have revolutionized industrial and commercial industries. Manufacturing plants, warehouses, shipping containers, and other places in which you want to collect data are not suitable for wired connections. Now, you can easily collect data throughout your warehouse through sensors that are wirelessly connected to a central device.
There are multiple applications of BLE in IoT solutions. For example, you can place BLE beacons on containers within ships and use a smartphone or computer platform to track your assets in real-time. IoT sensors also monitor machines and notify you when they detect anomalies or when the equipment needs a repair. You can fix faulty machines faster instead of waiting for them to completely break down.
IoT sensors and other connected devices also collect data on everything from inventory levels to indoor air quality. Use the data to streamline your operations and improve your employees’ work environment.
Choose the Right Bluetooth Technology for Your Needs
Choosing the right technology is essential for implementing your supply chain solutions. Surgere’s Bluetooth-enabled devices arm you with valuable data for better decision-making. Our devices can track everything from location to ambient temperature, humidity, and air quality. You know your merchandise will make it to a customer quickly and in good condition.
We also offer yard management solutions, packaging management, production control, and more. We understand how to develop a customized infrastructure with Bluetooth LE to transform your operations.
Schedule a demo today and learn what we can do for your business.
