When it comes to connectivity technologies for industrial asset tracking and monitoring, you’ve probably heard of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE). But how familiar are you with Xtreme Low Energy (XLE®)? In this blog, we better define both Bluetooth LE and XLE®, and overview the best IoT (Internet of Things) devices behind each for industrial asset tracking. Let’s take a look.

Bluetooth LE

What is it?

Bluetooth LE is a connectivity technology that sends small amounts of data over a wireless network. Because this type of technology stays in sleep mode when not in use, it helps to conserve battery life of the connected devices. Devices that use Bluetooth LE are typically affordable and easy to use – making it an ideal choice for industrial asset tracking systems.

Link Labs has improved Bluetooth LE in recent years in regards to accuracy and battery life. Our Bluetooth LE tags are able to maintain both high levels of asset location accuracy and long-lasting battery, while remaining affordable.

Consumers that need to locate assets within certain indoor locations can find great benefit from the AirFinder OnSite Bluetooth LE solution. It uses Bluetooth LE to help determine asset location with Just-Right Precision™ technology.  Just-Right Precision adheres a tagged asset to the nearest beacon. With AirFinder Bluetooth LE, the user is in charge. You can choose how close or how far apart you want your beacons placed to define the location of business-critical assets to your exact need.

The Best Bluetooth LE IoT Devices

The AirFinder Bluetooth LE solution uses both hardware and software to help users determine asset location.

Components
This is a low-cost, indoor positioning system that provides the accuracy you need. With Just-Right Precision and up to 5 years of battery life for each asset tag, AirFinder Bluetooth LE will help you find your assets quickly with little to no hassle.bluetooth le asset tags

Asset Tags: With multiple tag options, it’s easy to select the best tag for the job. Attach tags to assets or people, tags listen for location beacons, and then transmit locations to access points.

bluetooth le location beacons access points

Location Beacons/Access Points: Bluetooth LE uses both battery-operated and electrically-powered location beacons and access points, which can help you conserve battery life, while also positioning where needed. Simply mount in place and receive data from tagged assets or people and send data to the Link Labs gateway.

bluetooth le gateway

Gateway: Receive data from Access Points via AirFinder’s standalone Symphony Link network. The gateway then sends data to the cloud via cellular or WiFi.

bluetooth le iot platform

IoT Platform: Instantly access real time location data on the Link Labs IoT platform. With the Bluetooth LE interface, users can identify beacon locations and associate the tagged asset to a nearby location.

Bluetooth LE is becoming more popular in the IoT world, so when looking for that perfect device, you want to ensure you’re striking a balance between affordability and accuracy. This makes AirFinder Bluetooth LE an ideal solution for industrial asset tracking.

XLE®

What is it?

XLE® is a new patented technology developed by Link Labs. XLE® uses phase-ranging technology to communicate a tagged asset’s location by sending invisible signals between tags and beacons. Phase measurements give a precision location of up to meter-level accuracy using xyz coordinates.

XLE® technology is an ideal choice when you’re looking to use the least amount of energy possible because it doesn’t need to transfer data as frequently. It’s also an ideal choice when you need to locate assets throughout a facility, like a manufacturing plant, distribution center, or healthcare facility. XLE® location beacons are set up in a grid-like pattern to give asset location accuracy within arms reach.

The Best XLE® IoT Devices

Depending on your business’ needs, XLE® is another great connectivity solution, with added energy savings. The use of phase ranging saves even more battery than Bluetooth LE because there’s less back and forth communication allowing that battery life to last up to 7 years.

Components

xle asset tags

Asset Tags: XLE® has currently two different off-the-shelf tag options that can be adhered, dropped in a box, or fastened with screws. Both options allow users to easily tag assets and swap to different assets as needed. Similar to Bluetooth LE, the tags listen for location beacons and transmit locations to access points.

xle location beacons access points

Location Beacons/Access Points: Similar in design, the location beacons and access points both operate using power.  The average of location beacons to access points is 4:1.  Mount in place to identify a specific location and receive data from tagged assets or people and send data to the gateway.

xle gateway

Gateway: Receive data from access points via AirFinder’s standalone Symphony Link network. The gateway then sends data to the cloud via cellular or WiFi.

xle iot platform

IoT Platform: Link Labs engineers are constantly improving the XLE® interface to deliver location data in a user-friendly way that allows users to more easily visualize location and track both historical data and real time location data.

 

Wrapping it Up

Bluetooth LE and XLE® are both great options when looking for an industrial asset tracking solution. Each has advantages depending on your company's use case. For more information about AirFinder Bluetooth LE or AirFinder XLE®, book a demo with us today!

Link Labs

Written by Link Labs

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