Multiple Android central to single nrf51822 peripheral connection

[rdsoft]

We need to connect at the same time several mobile phones with the Android OS to a single device nrf51822 via BT in our upcoming project. According to information from the documentation and from discussions we discovered that this configuration is not possible. I would like to ask you whether there is any way to achieve the connection of simultaneous mobile phones in Central role to one nrf51822 unit in the Peripheral role. If not, it would be possible to order some adjustments of the S130 that allow many-to-one connection? How expensive would this modification be?

[Hung Bui]

Hi RDSoft,

We are working on the new feature to allow more than one central to connect to the peripheral. However, I don't know when it's ready.

You can use the timeslot API to handle the extra connection. But it's on your own. We have an example here that can be used as an example. The second connection will have very limited functionality.

Another option is to reverse the roles. The phone can advertise (On android 6.x, phones can do peripheral) and the nRF51 acts as the scanner and central. By doing that you can connect up to 8 phone to the nRF51, concurrently.

[rdsoft]

Thank you! Regards, Radek

[chjoon]

Hi Hung, I am working on device with same configuration (multiple central + one peripheral). So I wonder if your new feature is ready now. Thanks.

[Hung Bui]

@chjoon: It's supported already, from S132 v4.0 we support 20 concurrent links , including both peripherals and centrals. But this only applied for nRF52, not nRF51.

[chjoon]

Thank you Hung !