BLE Mesh solution that collects data from 50 node devices into one terminal

[lynn]

     Hi,

     I'm busy evaluating an application right now, I would like to ask whether Bluetooth Mesh can be realized or other solutions can be provided.

     A terminal device, similar to a gateway, collects data from 50 separate sensor nodes in a large room, each node producing 30 bytes of effective data per second.May I ask if the Bluetooth mesh can be realized on the premise that no data can be lost? If it can be realized, do you need the relay and hop number?

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Hi. 

The network itself is achievable, but 30 bytes each second might be a challenge. 

Are all the nodes in range to the terminal device? Or do you need to have relay nodes in order to reach the terminal?

The relay nodes will relay a message at a random time delay. This is to prevent packet collisions from other nodes relaying the same message.

Br, 
Joakim

[lynn]

Thank you for your reply.

It is also possible without the need for the relay node, which can reach the terminal device by default. The main requirement is to collect the real-time data of each node to the terminal.The advantage of using Bluetooth Mesh is that it can be configured on the phone.Is there something special about a mesh with no relay nodes?Or do you have a better idea?

[Joakim Jakobsen]

Ok, thanks. 

There shouldn't be a problem using mesh. I was just thinking that if you don't need the relay feature, and don't need the network to be scalable in size, or cover larger areas. Then Mesh isn't strictly necessary. 

You could solve this by using a standard star network using BLE nodes. You can have beacons transmitting to the terminal, or have them all connected to the terminal. 

Using BLE instead of Mesh will increase the throughput. You are also able to make use of BLE5 features like long range and high throughput. 

But this is up to you to decide. Both should be achievable.

Br, 
Joakim

[lynn]

Use Beacons solution: 50 sensor devices have data every second that needs to be sent by beacon. Is there a problem of data loss due to interference caused by simultaneous transmission?I am also wondering how to deal with the Bluetooth Mesh situation (each node has data to transmit, possibly simultaneously).

Using Bluetooth BLE star-network scheme: we have implemented the scenario of 20 nodes, but cannot support 50 nodes.

Bluetooth Mesh: If relays cause long delays, this may not be a requirement for achieving data throughput.

[Joakim Jakobsen]

lynn said:

Using Bluetooth BLE star-network scheme: we have implemented the scenario of 20 nodes, but cannot support 50 nodes.

 Is this a connection based network? Or using beacons?

 

lynn said:

Bluetooth Mesh: If relays cause long delays

 The delay I was referring to is also relevant for beacons:
ref: https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/39174/i-do-not-want-use-advertising-random-delay-0ms-to-10ms/151645#151645