Which protocol to use?

[Pavel K]

Hi everyone,

We are trying to choose which protocol use for connecting devices based on Nordic SoCs. We use devices in following way:

1. about 300 - 500 devices (wearable - smart watches)
2. industrial site, walls, concrete, metal etc.
3. site area up to 1 km2
4. each devices send data to gateway - 6 kbytes every 10-20 minutes and 190 kbytes 3 times a day
5. protocol should support identification of sent data (from which device it arrived)

I know it is a lot to ask, but what would you suggest?

Regards Pavel

[Pavel K]

Hello Jan,

Thank you very much for your reply! I do apologise for not properly explaining all the details, let me provide information on your questions:

1. Devices are moving - its a wearable device for people
2. Its more towards fewer routers, if it is bluetooth on site go 1 km2, that will be a lot of nodes, very hard to maintain and install
3. All devices are battery powered, 190 mAh, we do need to be economical

I hope that gives clarity.

Regards Pavel

[endnode]

I could imagine that with having hundreds of moving battery powered devices and roughly the same number of grid powered stationary observers connected to some high-speed network like WiFi or Ethernet. Taht will work pretty well even with BLE on such large area even if it is construction hall in car factory or similar thing (after some fine-tuning of course to cover all special shielded corners). But installation, maintenance and purchasing cost of such system will be significant (basically 5-10$ per moving beacon + 10-100$ per boarder observer, 10-100 of units replaced per year, 2-6 weeks of full time installation job of 2-10 people - basically engineers who understand deeply the radio and whole system - also replacing of batteries basically once a month to all moving units + probably 12 full-time guys to maintain the system and device fleet). Still it can be great but...