Software adjustments to improve bluetooth range

[Maos]

Hi!

Working on a system with a ble central communicationg with one or more peripherials both the central and peripherals using the nrf52840.

We want to know what we can do get the maximum range between them?

So far we have:
Enabled CONFIG_BT_CTLR_PHY_CODED on both sides

Set BT_CONN_LE_OPT_CODED | BT_CONN_LE_OPT_NO_1M in connection options before calling bt_conn_le_create on central side

Set phy to BT_GAP_LE_PHY_CODED and option to BT_CONN_LE_PHY_OPT_CODED_S8 and calling bt_conn_le_phy_update on both sides in connected callback

Set BT_LE_ADV_OPT_EXT_ADV | BT_LE_ADV_OPT_CODED in advertising options before calling bt_le_ext_adv_create

Do you have any suggestions on what more we can do?
I understand no specific figures can be given but some indication on what would have an impact on batter lifetime (for any changes to peripherial side)?

Is there any version of the example code provided in this blogpost: devzone.nordicsemi.com/.../testing-long-range-coded-phy-with-nordic-solution-it-simply-works-922075585 adpated to the new sdk?

BR,
Mårten

[Kazi Afroza Sultana]

Hello Mårten,

The battery life is not better in coded phy as compared to 1m Phy technology as it needs 8 times more to transfer packet. Because modulation (since S8 works on 125Kbps modulation) takes longer time to transmit each bit.  

The settings you have are correct. You can also try to increase range by increasing transmit power. You have nRF52840 so it can be up to +8 db. If you use NCS version 2.1.0 or later, you can simply use the CONFIG_BT_CTLR_TX_PWR_ config to set the TX power.

Thanks.

BR

Kazi