Bluetooth range: New standard creates 800 meters

Despite its short range, Bluetooth has become the standard. With Bluetooth 5, the developers want to improve the system even further - up to 800 meters are possible.

Bluetooth range: New standard creates 800 meters

Regardless of whether it is for the transfer of data, the use of Bluetooth watches or the networking of smart home devices: Bluetooth has become indispensable and is constantly being developed. The Special Interest Group (SIG), which introduced the new standard in summer 2016, is responsible for the new Bluetooth versions.

• The numerous improvements primarily relate to the "Bluetooth Low Energy" (BLE) radio technology. The maximum range of these devices has been quadrupled from 10 to 40 meters. Similarly, the speed was almost doubled.
• The improvements should primarily expand the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home areas. "With the extension of the range, connections to IoT devices are possible far beyond the walls of your own home, while the increased speed supports faster data transfers and software updates of the devices, " said Mark Powell, Executive Director of Bluetooth SIG.
• The different Bluetooth classes also have different transmission powers. The Bluetooth standard 4.0 reached a range of 100 meters in 2010. Some motorcycle intercoms are said to even go over 800 meters in a straight line.

In the next practical tip, we'll clarify whether you can extend USB 3.0 cables or not.