Silicon Labs Offers Solutions for the Newest Bluetooth Mesh 1.1 Update

Bluetooth Mesh’s ability to support the Internet of Things and connectivity among various devices has been heavily supported by the ongoing partnership between Bluetooth SIG and SILICON LABS. Built for demanding environments where thousands of devices need to communicate with each other, Bluetooth Mesh delivers reliable performance and security for complex systems. Supporting sustainability efforts, Bluetooth Mesh’s communication model helps to reduce energy consumption between networked Bluetooth Low Energy devices.

Silicon Labs is proud to continue its work with Bluetooth and announce its support for the newest Bluetooth SIG Mesh 1.1 update, which improves installation and update procedures, enhances security and system reliability, and includes numerous communication enhancements. These advancements will be useful in many commercial and industrial applications, including commercial lighting systems, lowering the barrier of entry to connected Network Lighting Control (NLC) systems.

Mesh 1.1 includes six new key features that help improve security, network efficiency, and energy usage, as well as ease the setup process. With the support of subnet bridging to reduce network complexity, improved delivery messaging, remote provisioning, and other features, Mesh 1.1’s updates can streamline NLC processes.

Network Lighting Control (NLC) and Bluetooth Mesh 1.1

Using Bluetooth Mesh, Network Lighting Control systems can connect various devices under one IoT network. Devices in these networks can include controllers, dimmers, movement sensors, smartphones running applications, and energy monitoring systems, all interoperable under the Bluetooth Mesh standard. This creates an easy, one-stop solution for lighting control systems rather than having to manage each device independently.

Silicon Labs’ EFR32BG Bluetooth SoC Starter Kit allows for an efficient, intuitive setup process for those developing NLC networks. It includes support for Bluetooth Low Energy and Bluetooth Mesh, a sample code, and an integrated debug adapter. These tools make for a more user-friendly way to transition into a connected NLC system. Additionally, most of the Bluetooth Mesh-enabled products that support Mesh 1.0 also support Mesh 1.1, allowing for seamless integration into the newest update.

Silicon Labs and Bluetooth Mesh 1.1 Compatibility
Silicon Labs’ Bluetooth Mesh stack is qualified and able to run on many different hardware platforms. Silicon Labs’ ability to provide both line-powered and battery-powered IoT devices creates a flexible environment for industry partners—Silicon Labs is one of only three providers who can offer a qualified Bluetooth Mesh 1.1 stack.

Silicon Labs provides solutions targeting both line-powered and battery-powered IoT devices. Silicon Labs’ BG21 Bluetooth modules can provide connectivity for line-powered IoT devices and Silicon BG24 Bluetooth modules connect battery-powered IoT devices to a shared network. With these solutions, the installation, reconfiguration, and firmware updates can be done on smartphones and tablets without the complication of rewiring, unlike a traditional lighting system setup. In addition, adding other features such as movement sensors and energy monitoring is more achievable, and this data can also be accessed through smartphone applications.

What does Mesh 1.1 mean for the future?

The latest Bluetooth Mesh update will foster greater growth for the Internet of Things, with the possibility of more expansive device networks to emerge. Continued adoption of Bluetooth Mesh in commercial lighting will lead to systems that are easier to install and maintain while also being more reliable and secure.