The Smart Doorbell: A proof-of-concept Implementation of a Bluetooth Mesh Network

Bluetooth Mesh is a new communications protocol for connecting Bluetooth Low Energy devices in a mesh network; it originates as an alternative solution for home and office automation applications. Being a relatively new technology, there is a need to test Bluetooth Mesh in a realistic working environment to asses its strengths and weaknesses. We implemented a basic proof-of-concept Bluetooth Mesh network in our office building for a well-known office automation application: a smart doorbell. The smart doorbell uses Bluetooth Mesh technology to send and receive event messages inside a building and expand its reach with relay nodes. The network nodes were designed in-house according to the requirements of the application. This paper explores the design in hardware and software of a Bluetooth Mesh network in a real environment considering some evaluation metrics, such as package loss across distance and power consumption. It reports some issues regarding energy consumption and relay features. Results show that this technology performed well in our building automation application when considering factors such as radio transmission power and environment settings to achieve optimal functioning.