How does pairing/bonding affect data rate/transmission speed?

[Andy]

Hello,

I'm working on a feature that will allow my device to transmit a small JPG to a mobile application. I would like to have at least some basic security on the characteristic used to transmit the image data. However, I'm concerned about how this will affect the transmission speed of the thumbnail.

I know I could just implement it and see if there is a significant difference, but I need to know this now because the app developer needs to figure out how the pairing would be handled in the first place. Right now we're getting an annoying pop-up on iOS and we don't like it. We really just need security on the thumbnail thing, and if the performance is much worse, it's not even worth looking into it.

Thanks!

[Mttrinh]

Hi,

Pairing/Bonding should not affect the data rate/transmission speed in any way. Not sure what you mean by "annoying pop-up"? Do you mean the pairing request?

You can read more about security in this post.

[Mttrinh]

No, having an encrypted link doesn't affect the data rate. The post I linked to was more about security, explaining different security modes. Transmission speed depends on a couple of things like:

- PHY being used (LE 1M vs. LE 2M vs. LE Coded (S=2 or S=8))

- Connection interval

- Maximum number of packets per connection interval

- ATT Maximum Transmission Unit (ATT MTU)

- Data Length Extension (DLE)

According to specification every accessory that is compatible with an Apple product must do pairing, and since iOS9.1 bonding is mandatory with pairing. There is no way around the pairing request pop-up. When you try to connect, the device will be asking for a secure connection and CoreBluetooth is generating this alert.

[Andy]

Ok, that's what I needed to know. Thanks!