Dear Sir,
I'm investigating the possibility of BLE technology as the primary communication channel for SmartHome Hub solution ( hub to smarthome products... )
I have several questions, which I would appreciate if you could assist...
I want to make sure that I understand things correctly, and first of all , I would be happy to verify my understanding of the following issues
1. does the integration of "low energy sensors" (which equivalent to those in Zwave , eg smoke sensor , PIR... ), requires the use of Mesh topology?
2. On the professional information that can be found on the websites, says that BLE MESH topology is ideally suited for building automation and sensor network.
But there is also additional information, which indicates that it is also intended be used in the SmartHome market( https://www.bluetooth.com/markets/smart-home ) Is it also intended to be used in the SmartHome market?
3. Does a setting up of a mesh network , requires from the end-user to purchase compatible designated equipment? (and be aware of the mesh minimum requirements? Is it optimized for non-professional end users? )
Here are some points that ( as per my understanding) which makes it difficult to be adapted by an "unprofessional- end user" :
- requires compatible hardware and software: Bluetooth mesh networking requires an underlying Bluetooth LE 4.x or 5.0 stack, which supports the GAP Broadcaster and Observer roles, to both advertise and scan for advertising packets.
- Requires from the "end user" to have knowledge of essential network features BLE Mesh peripherals ( Such as : Proxy , Friend , relay... )
- security constraints which complicates the pairing process for the "end user"
4. does an methodology of "BLE Mesh" combined with "star a network topology" principles is acceptable? (please refer to the details presented below... )
- BLE devices will not be connected to each other ( the connection will be applied via hub , according to "star network topology" principles... )
- scenes , rules , connectivity between peripherals (Etc...) will be implemented via hub , and not via "control module" (according to "star network topology" principles... )
does this kind of implementation comes with a heavy price of low efficiency ( heavy load of network traffic ) which is acceptable in case of SmartHome solution? ( relatively small amount of nodes in network )
Does this kind of a solution , have minimum network component requirements or constraints ?
Best regards
