Communication range between 2 BLE mesh devices

[Dinesh]

Hi,

Greetings!

We are using following setup

nRF52832 DK

SDK16.0.0

Mesh SDK 4.0.0

Light Switch Server and Client

Here we would like to understand below things

1. Relation between transmission power and communication distance between 2 devices.

If we have to increase communication distance/range then how can we do that?

2. We have observed that on setting 0DBM and POS4DBM 'tx_power' in "set_default_broadcast_configuration()" there is no significant change in distance.

Can you please help us in the same?

3. What else can we do in software configuration to improve range/distance?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Dinesh

[Hung Bui]

Hi Dinesh, 
Do you have a reason why you used set_default_broadcast_configuration() ? It's a static function and you are not supposed to use that function. 

Instead you should use this function: mesh_opt_core_tx_power_set(). Please refer to network_opt_set() function inside network.c . 
You need to call mesh_opt_core_tx_power_set() for either CORE_TX_ROLE_ORIGINATOR role or CORE_TX_ROLE_RELAY role. 

If you want to change the TX power for the GATT proxy role you need to call sd_ble_gap_tx_power_set()

[Dinesh]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Please note that we have used set_default_broadcast_configuration() because we have been told accordingly and we have made changes as suggested. Please refer below forum url of post which we had submitted.

https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/58969/multiple-nodes-acknowledgement-problem/250611#250611

Meanwhile can you please let us understand how much change in range will take in place if we changes transmission power from 0DBM to POS4DBM?

Thanks you once again.

Regards,

DInesh

[Hung Bui]

I'm sorry that I have suggested set_default_broadcast_configuration() before. You should use mesh_opt_core_tx_power_set() instead. 
It's hard to tell about the actual range you will gain. With +4dB you are over double the output power and can expect 50% increased in range, by theory. But in reality there are many factors can affect that, especially when you testing indoor. It's important that you test it on a proper tuned antenna board, for example our NRF5 DK.  

[Dinesh]

HI Hung,

Don't be sorry.

Please note that we are just beginners and trying to learn Bluetooth mesh.

In these all processes, you and team Nordic have helped us at so many points to resolve lot more issues.

Thank you so much for the same. We have not experienced such fast response before with other vendors.

We will have trials with your new suggestions and that too outdoors with NRF5 DK and with custom devices too.

Thank you so much for your kind help.

Regards,

Dinesh