How to increase BLE Mesh Network range

[Rohan George Zacharia]

Hi,

Mesh SDK: v5

Using 2 nRF52DK's for range testing

I wanted to know how we could increase the node-to-node range by making changes in the firmware (Like changing tx power level and changing PHY). Please note that it is for a product release,

I found some references https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/63879/communication-range-between-2-ble-mesh-devices  and https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/29813/change-phy-in-mesh/118379#118379 

I wanted to know if these implementations are valid in the newest iteration of the SDK or is there a better way to perform the test. 

Thank you,

Rohan

[ketiljo]

Bluetooth mesh does not support coded PHY / long range. You can increase the output power as in the first link you have. 

[Rohan George Zacharia]

Hi, 

I had some doubts. 

where exactly should I call the mesh_opt_core_tx_power_set() function, should it be in main() or should I change it in the existing function in network.c?

[tesc]

Hi,

In general, mesh options should be set before mesh_stack_start(). In other words, you should use the function in main() or in functions called directly from main().

In the SDK examples, you typically have a function start() which calls mesh_stack_start(). There is also typically a function initialize(), which calls a function mesh_init() for initializing the mesh stack, prior to calling start(). Inside start() right before the call to mesh_stack_start() is a good place to do the configuration.

Regards,
Terje

[Rohan George Zacharia]

Hi, 

Thanks for the reply. I will try what you suggested and will close this ticket once my testing shows desirable results. 

Regards,

Rohan