Can BLE Mesh Networking Support moving network nodes?

[Nordic DevZone]

For a fully connected set of node devices in a BLE mesh network, where any node device can send data packets to any other node device via an optimally short number of radio hops across that network, what happens when the node devices in that network start moving around, as they would for example in a fleet of autonomous delivery robots in a warehouse.

Does the BLE mesh network continuously or regularly update its internal map of the network topology to maintain the ability to optimally deliver network packets, or does BLE mesh networking simply break if the network node devices are constantly being moved around?

If BLE mesh networking is not suitable for this application, what alternative mesh networking protocol would support this modern use-case?.

Thank you.

[tesc]

Hi,

Assuming the question is about Bluetooth mesh, as specified by the Bluetooth SIG in the Bluetooth Mesh Profile specification.

Bluetooth mesh uses manage flooding, not routing. It means every message gets repeated through the network up to H hops away from the originator, and only relayed once by any individual node. As such, the network does not know about the topology. Parameters can be tweaked according to properties of the topology, for instance the TTL (time to live - maximum number of hops) can be set to the diameter of the network.

Bluetooth mesh being a managed flooding network, means it is particularly well suited for networks where nodes move about a lot, for instance robots in a warehouse. It may still be a good idea to have a fixed "backbone" for the network, consisting of stationary (mains powered) relay nodes, as that allows for tuning relay parameters (as well as density of relay nodes).

Please note that Bluetooth mesh is best at low throughput scenarios, such as sensor networks, building automation, etc., where for large networks you only need up to a couple of hundred bits per second per node, or you have only one or a handful of nodes each broadcasting data at a kilobit or two per second.

As with all technology, there are tradeoffs as well as parameters to tune, but based on the limited information you have provided I would say Bluetooth mesh sounds promising for your use case.

Regards,
Terje