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Beacons 101

How beacons work, installation, and how they interact with Access/Oysta devices.

Written by Billy Dilks

A Bluetooth beacon is a small wireless device that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to operate. It regularly and securely transmits a signal that can be detected by nearby devices. When a compatible device enters the beacon’s range, its location is updated using the beacon’s position.

Using beacons with Access/Oysta devices improves location accuracy, particularly in areas with poor mobile signal or within multi-floor buildings.

Each beacon has a unique MAC address, which can be found on the device casing.


Placement

In ideal conditions, beacons can have a range of up to 50m (or up to 100m when used with a Care Watch). However, their effectiveness can be reduced indoors. Similar to a Wi-Fi router, obstacles such as thick walls, metal structures, and heavy machinery can weaken the signal.

For best performance, place beacons in open areas and at a higher position, ensuring the signal can travel as far as possible.


Installation

After deciding where to place your beacon/s, to finalise installation please contact our support team, providing the following:

  • MAC Address.

  • Name (eg. Warehouse 1, Kitchen, Trailer Depot).

  • Location.

  • Address.

  • Longitude/Latitude if known.

  • Some customers chose to provide an annotated map telling us exactly

    where the beacons are going to be located.


When they're up are running

After installation, when a device gets in range of a beacon it will report its location as

the beacon; providing the beacon’s name and address. This can help define where the device is when its being used indoors in different rooms/floors/general areas.

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