iBeacon Technology for Position Tracking

iBeacon is a protocol developed by Apple that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to enable proximity-based interactions between devices. iBeacons are small, wireless devices that continuously broadcast a unique identifier. When a BLE-enabled device, such as an iPhone, comes within range of an iBeacon, it can trigger specific actions or provide location-based information. Let us explore applications of iBeacon technology and its advantages and disadvantages as a positioning method.

Working Principle of iBeacon

As shown in the figure, there are two system components namely broadcaster device and smartphone with applications. Let us understand how iBeacon technology works.

• iBeacons emit a continuous BLE signal that includes a unique identifier (UUID), Major, and Minor values.
• A BLE-enabled device, like a smartphone, detects the iBeacon signal when within range (typically up to 100 meters, but more often within 30-50 meters for practical use).
• The device measures the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to estimate its proximity to the iBeacon.
• Based on the proximity, the device can trigger specific actions, such as opening an app, displaying a notification, or providing location-specific content.

In this system, the beacon device sends out data all the time. When the device is in advertisement mode, it sends out data with three parameters viz. UUID, a major and a minor value. UUID stands for Universally Unique Identifier.

As mentioned in the table below, UUID is 16 bytes in size while both major and minor values are 2 bytes in size.

Example Use Case

Let us take the example of an electronic product exhibition to understand the working principle of iBeacon. As mentioned in the table below, there will be one unique UUID per exhibition. The major values are assigned to larger divisions such as consumer electronics, telecommunications, medical electronics etc. The minor values are assigned further to smaller divisions of the larger divisions mentioned. For example, consumer electronics can be subdivided into television, computers, washing machines etc. Hence due to this clear demarcation in the entire exhibition, all the items are easily accessible by the visitors. Hence the chance of locating the items of their choice will increase. This will help organizers to get more leads and consecutively more revenue. Any app on a smartphone can use core bluetooth APIs to transmit iBeacon advertisements.

Similarly planning in the store can also be carried out.

The difference between iBeacon and Beacon is that iBeacon works based on BLE technology. Any device which broadcasts a specific frame to all the devices in the network/system is known as Beacon. Even iBeacon also broadcasts but as per BLE specifications.

Applications of iBeacon

Following iBeacon applications are most commonly found in different domains.

• Retail: Deliver personalized offers, promotions, and product information based on shopper proximity.
• Museums and Exhibitions: Provide visitors with contextual information about exhibits as they move through the space.
• Airports and Transit Hubs: Assist travelers with navigation, gate information, and real-time updates.
• Events and Conferences: Help attendees navigate large venues, access session information, and network with other participants.
• Workplace Management: Track assets, manage space utilization, and enhance employee safety and productivity.

Advantages of iBeacon Technology

Following are the benefits or advantages of iBeacon.

1. iBeacon enables highly accurate proximity-based services, useful for indoor environments such as retail, museums, etc.
2. iBeacon devices consume low power due to Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology.
3. iBeacon devices are small, portable, and easy to deploy in various locations.
4. As it is developed by Apple. It enjoys strong integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including iOS devices which ensure wide adoption and compatibility.
5. The iBeacon and Beacon devices are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and deploy, making them accessible for businesses of all sizes.
6. It offers enhanced user engagement by delivering personalized and context-aware content to the users.

Disadvantages of iBeacon

Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of iBeacon.

1. It supports a limited range, which is about up to 50 meters for accurate detection. Moreover, it requires multiple beacon devices to provide service to larger areas.
2. Physical obstructions (walls, furniture) and interference from other electronic devices can affect signal strength and accuracy.
3. Continuous tracking and data collection raise privacy issues which necessitates robust data protection measures. Basic security features may be insufficient to protect against potential spoofing and unauthorized access.
4. Beacons require periodic battery replacement and firmware updates, which can be labor-intensive, especially for large deployments.
5. iBeacons are optimized for Apple’s ecosystem, potentially limiting their effectiveness with non-Apple devices.

Conclusion

iBeacon is a powerful and flexible proximity-based technology that leverages BLE for a wide range of applications. While it offers significant advantages in terms of user engagement, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment, challenges such as limited range, signal interference, and privacy concerns must be managed to maximize its benefits and avoid any risks.

Refer iBeacon Vs Beacon for the difference between iBeacon and Beacon technologies.