Corelocation Ibeacon Detection Range

Question

Created May ’17

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Hi guys

I have been working with a nordic ble device (NRF51822) configured as a iBeacon. I am implementing an IOS app, using Apple framework "CoreLocation". My goal is to detect beacons on background mode. Until now, I am able to detect beacons on background mode only in a very small range (3.9 meters).

Is this normal? Is there a way to improve this behavior?

I tested the same beacons on an Android app (background mode) and the range is much better.

I am monitoring the region just by the UUID.

Tested Devices:

Iphone 5
Iphone SE

Ibeacon properties:

Trasmission power: 0 Db
Company ID: 0x004C (Apple's)

Thanks in advance

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Answer 1

Engineer OP

Apple

May ’17

If you are observing performance issues with iBeacon detection, first things to look at are the advertising, power calibration, and whether the beacon device does pass the tests, as described in the iBeacon specification.

There are instructions on how the measured power value should be calculated and calibrated, and test procedures to make sure the beacon device is configured and advertising as required.

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Answer 2

fercholas OP

Jun ’17

Hi Gualtier Malde

Thanks for answering. I have checked that the ibeacon is configured and advertising as Apple describes it. Actually I am discovering the iBeacons but only in a short distance (3.9 - 5 meters). I would like to know if this detection distance in normal in CoreLocation or if there is something that could be wrong. The same ibeacon is detected by an Android app 50-60 meters far away. Is there any distance threshold documented for CoreLocation? ¿Have you experimented with coreLocation and detection distances?

Thanks for your time

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Answer 3

Engineer OP

Apple

Jun ’17

If you are unable to detect the beacon as expected by using the CoreLocation API, the beacon has failed the compatibility test, by definition.

What are the findings for the Measured Power test described in the specs?

What Measured Power do you read at 5 meters?

You also may want to use a known good beacon to compare the readings to eliminate any issues with your beacon.

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Answer 4

fercholas OP

Jun ’17

What do you mean by "detect the beacon as expected" ? How far from the beacon would be the expected behavior? For me is 50 meters , it is the same for you?

I am reading -86 dBm at 5 meters.

What is the measured power test in the specs?

I am using a "good" beacon from Radius Networks and the NRF51 Developer kit from Nordic with the same behavior.

Thanks for your time

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