Understanding the basic principles of Bluetooth mesh models can be important to any developer. Bluetooth mesh models allow us to define the basic functionality of the network nodes.
Since there are extensive documents from Bluetooth SIG and chip manufacturers that can be consulted for detailed information about different models, in this article, we'll attempt to introduce you to the basic concepts in a more approachable manner.
Interoperable Communications—A Bluetooth Mesh Solution
Standardization of communication protocols is mandatory to create an interoperable solution where devices from different vendors can communicate seamlessly. For example, the physical layer of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) uses 40 RF channels with 2 MHz center-to-center spacing as depicted in Figure 1 below.
TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Introduction to Bluetooth Mesh Models
June 19, 2022 by Dr. Steve Arar
Learn about Bluetooth mesh models—namely what they are—as we lead you through an example and the different types like generic, lighting, etc.
Understanding the basic principles of Bluetooth mesh models can be important to any developer. Bluetooth mesh models allow us to define the basic functionality of the network nodes.
Since there are extensive documents from Bluetooth SIG and chip manufacturers that can be consulted for detailed information about different models, in this article, we'll attempt to introduce you to the basic concepts in a more approachable manner.
Interoperable Communications—A Bluetooth Mesh Solution
Standardization of communication protocols is mandatory to create an interoperable solution where devices from different vendors can communicate seamlessly. For example, the physical layer of BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) uses 40 RF channels with 2 MHz center-to-center spacing as depicted in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. BLE's RF channels.
Figure 1. BLE's RF channels. Image used courtesy of Farej and Saeed
Manufacturers of BLE chips need to design their hardware based on the above RF channels (and in accordance with other specifications of the standard) to be able to communicate with products from other vendors.
Interestingly, Bluetooth mesh attempts to achieve interoperability across every layer of the communications stack from the radio hardware to the application-level features. But what does interoperability at the application level mean? Bluetooth mesh attempts to provide a standard way of describing the user-level behavior and functionality of a node. This is achieved through Bluetooth mesh models.
What is a Bluetooth Mesh Model?
Bluetooth mesh models provide us with a standard way to describe what a device can do and how we can communicate with it. To better understand their purpose, let's consider different types of lights that might be found on a Bluetooth mesh network.
In general, lights can have different capabilities. Some of them are simple devices and support only the basic on/off feature. Other more sophisticated lights, on the other hand, can have one or more adjustable parameters like lightness level, color, and color temperature. Depending on the features supported by a given light, there are different parameters that should be set by the user. Bluetooth mesh models are specifications for software components that provide us with standard messages to communicate with these different light types and set their parameters as needed.
For example, the Light Lightness Server and Client models (example in Figure 2) from the Bluetooth mesh specification describe the standard software components that can be used when working with dimmable light sources.
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