Mesh range

[Damien Berger]

Hi, 

I would like to know if there is any reason that tx_power is limited to +4dBm in the Mesh examples. I am using an nrf52840 and it is capable of +8dBm.
Would it increase the range in mesh networks ? How much ? 

I have seen in this thread (https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/29813/change-phy-in-mesh/118379#118379) that it is possible to change the phy to coded so I have the same question:
Would it increase the range in mesh networks ? How much ?

[Hung Bui]

Hi, 

No there isn't a particular reason you shouldn't use +8dBm in your mesh network to increase range. The only draw back is that it would consume more power but most of your node is main powered so it's not a problem. 

 

If you use long range coded PHY you would be able to improve range further, but dramatically increase the traffic as the packet is 8x longer hence creating more congestion. In addition, I don't think you would be able to qualify your product with coded PHY. Mesh spec doesn't support Bluetooth 5.0 features, for now.