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1. Introduction
BLE-mesh connects multiple Bluetooth® Low Energy technology (BLE) devices with mesh networking capability for internet of things (IoT) solutions.
| Bluetooth® Low Energy mesh illustration |
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Mesh network has a many-to-many topology, with each device able to communicate with every other device in the network.
The BLE-mesh communication is done using messages relayed by the devices which are part of the mesh network (called nodes). In this way, the end-to-end communication range is extended far beyond the radio range of each individual node.
2. Topology
There are different types of nodes:
- Simple Nodes
- Proxy Nodes
- Relay Nodes
- Low-Power Nodes
- Friend Nodes
For more information about the node types, please refer to ST BLE-Mesh Application Note
[1].
A typical BLE mesh topology is illustrated in the figure below.
| BLE-mesh topology |
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3. Elements and Models
Each BLE-mesh node contains one or more elements, and each element can support different models.
| BLE-mesh node architecture |
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3.1. Elements
The elements define the functionalities of a single node, each element can be independently controlled.
3.2. Models
Models define the functionality of a specific element. Several models are defined by the Bluetooth® SIG, and many of them are deliberately defined as “generic” models, having potential use across a wide range of device types.
Refer to ST BLE-Mesh Application Note[1] for more details about Element and Models.
4. Provisioning
The process of adding a device into a BLE-mesh network, and configuring it, is called provisioning.
This process is started by a device called “provisioner”, which can be a smartphone with a BLE mesh application installed on it, or a mesh platform as STM35WBx5 line microcontroller. The provisioned device is now known as a node.
Refer to ST BLE-Mesh Application Note[1] for more details about provisioning steps.
5. BLE-Mesh with STM32WB
5.1. Node Feature Examples
STM32CubeWB package provides 3 ST BLE-Mesh example covering the different types of Nodes.
- BLE-MeshLightingPRFNode project generates a basic Node supporting Proxy-Relay-Friend features, this project is the easier to handle and have a first approach of ST BLE-Mesh solution. See Proxy-Relay-Friend Lighting Example for more information.
- BLE-MeshLightingLPN project generates a basic Low Power Node, which requires a Friend Node into the network to receive messages. See Friendship for more information.
- BLE-MeshLightingProvisioner project generates a basic node managing ST proprietary solution of Embedded Provisioner, this Node can configurate itself and provision other nodes into the mesh network. See Embedded Provisioner.
With these 3 types of project, user can create his own mesh network:
| BLE-mesh projects illustration |
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5.2. Node Model Demonstrations
STM32CubeWB package also provides ST BLE-Mesh projects demonstrating different Models use cases:
- Light LC Model demonstration shows how to setup complete Light Control System including a Light and Controller node, a presence sensor node and a dimmer. This demonstration can be found on the Light LC demonstration page.
- Sensor Model demonstration illustrate the Sensor Client and Server relation by implementing sensor request mechanism. The client send a sensor request to the server which reply with temperature of Time of Flight measurements. The demonstration setup and description can be found on the Sensor Server/Client demonstration page.
- Vendor Model project demonstrate how to define and use Vendor commands through a thermometer/temperature indicator system. The demonstration setup and description can be found on Vendor Model Demonstration page.
6. Certifications
ST BLE Mesh 1.0 solution has been certified for STM32WB platforms:
- ST BLE mesh 1.0 Profile certification: QDID 146387 - ST BLE mesh profile certification.
- ST BLE mesh 1.0 Model certification: QDID 151209 - ST BLE mesh server client model certification.
7. Video
STM32WB Getting Started videos:
