Bluetooth gateways connect Bluetooth devices to other networks and devices outside the Bluetooth range, whereas Bluetooth routers extend the range and connectivity of Bluetooth devices within a limited area. Bluetooth routers and Bluetooth gateway work on the same frequency and standard Bluetooth protocol.
Most commonly, both are considered the same device. However, despite having many things in common, some key points effectively differentiate them. Here Dusun IoT will provide you with a basic understanding of Bluetooth routers and Bluetooth gateways to help you choose an ideal product for your IoT project.
Bluetooth Router Definition
A Bluetooth router is a device that uses Bluetooth technology to route data packets between different Bluetooth-enabled devices. A Bluetooth router functions similarly to a Wi-Fi router, enabling you to connect and manage numerous Bluetooth devices while extending your connectivity range. Certain models can even extend your Bluetooth signal to cover distances up to 1000 feet in open spaces and through three walls. With a Bluetooth router, you can access your speaker from any room in your house and remotely control your Bluetooth devices and gadgets even when you’re away from home.
Bluetooth Gateway Definition
A Bluetooth gateway is a device that serves as a bridge or interface between two different networks, allowing Bluetooth devices to communicate with other types of devices or networks that they would not otherwise be able to connect with directly. It enables Bluetooth devices to connect to the internet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or other networks and protocols, thereby expanding their connectivity and capabilities. Bluetooth gateways are often used in industrial, medical, or commercial settings where there is a need to integrate different types of devices or networks. They can also be used in homes or offices to connect Bluetooth-enabled devices to the internet or other networks.
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Bluetooth Router vs Gateway
While both Bluetooth routers and gateways are used to extend the range and connectivity of Bluetooth devices, there are some key differences between them:
Functionality
Bluetooth routers are designed to connect and control multiple Bluetooth devices within a home or other local area network (LAN), while Bluetooth gateways are used to bridge the gap between Bluetooth devices and other networks, such as the internet, local or wide-area networks (LAN or WAN), or other protocols.
Working Principle
A Bluetooth router’s working principle involves pairing Bluetooth devices with the router and enabling communication between them. The router can also extend the range of Bluetooth devices beyond the typical range of about 30 feet, allowing devices to communicate with each other and with other networks over a wider area.
On the other hand, a Bluetooth gateway’s working principle involves pairing Bluetooth devices with the Bluetooth IoT gateway and translating the communication protocols between devices or networks to enable communication between them. The IoT gateway can also provide connectivity to other networks or devices within the same area, such as a Wi-Fi network or Ethernet network.
Connectivity
Bluetooth routers typically use Bluetooth to connect and communicate with other Bluetooth devices, while Bluetooth gateways use Bluetooth to communicate with devices and networks outside of the Bluetooth range.
Range
Bluetooth routers are designed to extend the range of Bluetooth devices within a limited area, such as a home or office, while Bluetooth gateways can extend the range of Bluetooth devices to connect with devices and networks far beyond the Bluetooth range.
| Difference | Bluetooth Router | Bluetooth Gateway |
| Function | To make sure data packets are routed to the appropriate address | To serve as a translator |
| Working Principle | Installs routing information for different networks and routes traffic based on destination address. | Separates what is inside the network from what is outside the network. |
| Connectivity | Communicate with other Bluetooth devices | Communicate with devices and networks outside of the Bluetooth range |
| Range | Limited area | Far beyond the Bluetooth range |
Use Cases
Bluetooth routers are typically used in a home or small business setting to connect and control multiple Bluetooth devices, while Bluetooth gateways are commonly used in industrial, medical, or commercial locations to integrate Bluetooth devices with other types of devices or networks.
Use Cases of Bluetooth Router
Here are some use cases of Bluetooth routers:
Home Entertainment
A Bluetooth router can be used to connect multiple Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or other audio devices throughout your home. You can stream music or other audio from a single device, such as a phone or tablet, to all connected speakers or headphones simultaneously, creating a whole-home audio system.
Smart Home
A Bluetooth router can be used to connect and control smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security systems, from a single device or app. The Bluetooth router connects with the smart Bluetooth gateway to let you manage your smart home projects from anywhere in your home and even when you are away from home. Here is the complete guide for a Bluetooth Mesh lighting system for you.
Industrial Automation
Bluetooth routers, along with industrial Bluetooth gateway can be used in industrial settings to connect and manage Bluetooth-enabled devices such as sensors, controllers, and other equipment. This can help streamline processes and improve efficiency.
IoT Healthcare
Bluetooth routers can be used in medical settings to connect and manage Bluetooth health care devices, such as Bluetooth continuous glucose monitors or remote cardiac monitoring, to a centralized system. A Bluetooth to Wi-Fi/LTE Gateway connects the system to the internet. This can help healthcare professionals monitor patient health and provide more accurate and timely care.
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Retail
Bluetooth routers can be used in retail settings to connect and manage Bluetooth-enabled beacons or other location-based devices, enabling retailers to provide personalized customer experiences and targeted promotions based on customers’ locations and preferences.
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Asset Tracking
A specialised Bluetooth router with location detection services, also known as AoA Locator, is used for personnel tracking and real-time positioning of assets in smart healthcare, smart factories, smart offices, and smart education.
Conclusion
Although both a Bluetooth router and a Bluetooth gateway serve similar functions, they are not the same thing.
A Bluetooth router is a device that connects multiple Bluetooth devices and enables them to communicate with each other over a local area network (LAN). It can also extend the range of Bluetooth devices beyond the typical range of about 30 feet.
On the other hand, a Bluetooth gateway is a device that connects Bluetooth devices to other types of networks or devices, enabling communication between them. It acts as a bridge or interface between Bluetooth devices and other networks, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
In summary, Bluetooth routers are primarily used to extend the range and connectivity of Bluetooth devices within a limited area, while Bluetooth gateways are used to connect Bluetooth devices with other networks and devices outside of the Bluetooth range.
