Beacon

A small wireless transmitter broadcasting signals at regular intervals, typically using BLE technology. Serves as tracked tags or fixed infrastructure for positioning. Popular due to low cost ($10-30), small form factor, long battery life (1-5 years), and smartphone compatibility. Common protocols include iBeacon, Eddystone, and AltBeacon. Typically offers zone-level or room-level accuracy (2-5 meters).

Small radio transmitter broadcasting identification signals at regular intervals. In RTLS context, beacons serve two distinct roles: (1) Fixed beacons attached to infrastructure transmit known identities, enabling mobile devices to determine position via received signal strength or angle measurements (positioning beacons). (2) Mobile beacons attached to assets transmit their identity for detection by fixed receivers (tracked beacons, essentially tags). BLE beacons are most common, operating at 2.4 GHz with typical transmission intervals of 100ms to 10 seconds. Standard beacon protocols include iBeacon (Apple), Eddystone (Google, now deprecated), and AltBeacon (open source). Industrial beacons typically use CR2032 or AA batteries providing 1-3 year life. Beacon range varies 10-70 meters depending on transmission power and environment.

Typical applications include wayfinding systems, proximity marketing (not industrial), and asset tracking where meter-level accuracy suffices.