1. Overview

With the popularization of IoT technology, Bluetooth Beacon and iBeacon have become the core technologies for indoor positioning and smart scene applications. However, many people are still confused about the concepts of the two. This article will deeply analyze their differences and recommend two cost-effective Ebit Bluetooth modules to help you choose easily!

2. Beacon and iBeacon: Essence and Definition

Bluetooth Beacon (Beacon)
Technical basis: Broadcast technology based on BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) protocol, which can continuously send signals without pairing, mainly used for positioning, data transmission triggering and other scenarios.
Core function: By broadcasting fixed data packets containing information such as device ID and signal strength (RSSI), it helps terminal devices (such as mobile phones) to achieve location awareness.
Versatility: Supports multiple protocol formats (such as iBeacon, Eddystone), and is compatible with cross-platform applications.
iBeacon
Apple exclusive specification: Launched by Apple in 2013, it is a specific implementation of Beacon technology and must follow a specific data frame format (such as UUID, Major, Minor and other identification fields).
System integration: iOS devices natively support iBeacon through the CoreLocation framework, while Android devices rely on third-party libraries.
Application scenarios: Mainly used for precision marketing scenarios in the Apple ecosystem, such as retail push and indoor navigation.

3. Core Differences

Example:
The format of iBeacon broadcast packet is a fixed prefix (such as 02 01 06 1A FF 4C 00 02 15), followed by fields such as UUID and Major.
Ordinary Beacon can customize content, such as transparent transmission of temperature and humidity sensor data.

4. Technology selection suggestions

Choose Beacon: cross-platform compatibility, custom data or non-Apple ecosystem projects (such as industrial Internet of Things).
Choose iBeacon: for precise marketing for iOS users (such as mall discount push) or scenarios that require deep integration with the Apple ecosystem.

5. EBYTE Bluetooth module recommendation

EBYTE, as a leading domestic IoT communication module manufacturer, provides a variety of Bluetooth modules that support Beacon/iBeacon. The following are two star products:
E104-BT53A3
Highlight functions:
①Master-slave integration, supports multi-device connection and OTA upgrade;
②Protocol support: BLE 5.2 + iBeacon broadcast switching.

E104-BT08
Highlights:
①Supports MAC binding and air parameter configuration to simplify deployment;
②Ultra-low cost (less than 8 yuan), suitable for large-scale commercial use;
③Protocol support: BLE 5.2 + iBeacon broadcast switching.

6. Summary

Bluetooth Beacon is the "foundation" of technology, while iBeacon is the "exclusive tool" of Apple's ecosystem. When choosing, you need to weigh compatibility, cost and development freedom according to project requirements. Ebyte's E104-BT53A3 and E104-BT08 have become the ideal choice for scenarios such as smart cities and industrial Internet of Things with their high performance and high cost performance!