How to choose Bluetooth positioning

Table of Contents

High-precision Bluetooth positioning generally refers to sub-meter or even centimeter-level positioning accuracy. This level of accuracy is significantly different from the 5-10 meter accuracy provided by standard positioning technologies. For example, when searching for a specific store in a shopping center, a positioning accuracy of 20 centimeters or less can greatly assist in finding the desired location.

Choosing between Bluetooth AoA, UWB, and 5G for positioning your application would depend on several factors such as accuracy requirements, power consumption, range, and implementation complexity.

AoA Bluetooth positioning

AoA, short for Angle of Arrival, is a highly accurate method of indoor positioning using Bluetooth Low Energy. It is one of several techniques used in wireless positioning systems, along with TOA (Time of Arrival) and TDOA (Time Difference of Arrival) techniques. You can achieve sub-meter accuracy over long distances with BLE AoA.

However, it's important to note that AoA systems typically involve multiple antennas and complex signal processing algorithms, which can make them more expensive and complex to implement than other positioning techniques. Additionally, the accuracy of AoA systems may be affected by factors such as signal interference and the presence of reflective surfaces in the environment.
AoA applications include indoor navigation, asset tracking, people tracking and proximity marketing. 

UWB Bluetooth positioning

UWB stands for Ultra-Wideband. It is a wireless communication technology that uses radio waves with a very low power level over a large bandwidth to transmit data. UWB can be used for high-speed data transfer, precise positioning, and indoor location tracking. It has a very short range, typically a few meters, making it ideal for applications in close proximity. UWB signals are resistant to interference and can penetrate obstacles such as walls. UWB technology is commonly used in applications such as wireless USB connections, wireless audio and video streaming, and passive keyless entry systems for cars.

5G positioning

5G positioning refers to the use of 5G technology to determine the location of devices with high accuracy and low latency. This is achieved by using various techniques, including time-of-flight (ToF) ranging, angle-of-arrival (AoA) estimation, and positioning reference signals (PRS). 5G positioning allows for a wide range of applications, including navigation, asset and inventory tracking, transportation management, and location-based services. The use of 5G technology for positioning is expected to be a key enabler for many emerging applications in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0.

On the other hand, 5G positioning uses signals from 5G cellular towers to locate devices. It has a longer range compared to the previous two options and can work for larger areas. However, it may have limitations in certain environments such as indoor or heavily populated areas.

Ultimately, the best positioning technology for your application would depend on your specific requirements and constraints.

If you want to learn more about Bluetooth AoA, UWB, 5G Positioning, please contact Feasycom team.

Scroll to Top