Installing/Deploying Beacons

Beacons broadcast 2.4 GHz radio waves that are susceptible to environmental factors. Antenna orientation, interference, human bodies, and metal obstacles: are all possible of reducing signal range and stability. You should keep them in mind when deploying beacons.

Try to select a location that is in the line of sight between a beacon and a user’s phones. The easiest way to achieve this is to place beacons above crowds and objects.

Obstacles and interference signals can block and absorbed beacon signals. Metal and water will have the strongest effect, significantly reducing the beacon’s range. Remember that the human body is mostly comprised of water: that’s why it’s so important to place beacons in proper locations when deploying in crowded places. Below are some common material types and their interference potential.

• Low interference potential: wood, synthetic materials, and glass
• Medium interference potential: bricks and marble
• High interference potential: plaster, concrete, and bulletproof glass
• Very high interference potential: metal, water