Eddystone: Google’s Open Source BLE Beacon Protocol Launched in 2015

1. Protocol Basics

  1. Protocol PositioningEddystone is an open-source BLE beacon protocol launched by Google in 2015, supporting cross-platform (Android/iOS) and various data frame types, with a fixed service UUID of 0xFEAA.
  2. Core AdvantagesCompared to iBeacon, Eddystone has a fully open-source nature and supports dynamic data broadcasting (such as direct URL push).

2. Frame Type Details

Type Function Description Data Structure Characteristics
UID Broadcasts a 16-byte unique ID (10-byte namespace + 6-byte instance ID) for device group management. Frame type identifier 0x00, includes calibrated power value (1 byte) and reserved fields (2 bytes).
URL Pushing compressed web links (such as <span>https://example.com</span>), supporting Physical Web scenarios. Frame type identifier 0x10, uses URL encoding table to shorten characters (e.g., <span>.com</span> encoded as 0x00).
TLM Transmits telemetry data from devices (battery level/temperature/runtime), suitable for IoT monitoring. Frame type identifier 0x20, data includes battery voltage (2 bytes), temperature (1 byte), broadcast count (4 bytes), etc.
EID Generates dynamic temporary IDs to enhance security and prevent device tracking. Frame type identifier 0x30, requires GATT configuration service for key rotation.

3. Technical Implementation

  1. Broadcast Packet Structure

    Physical Layer‌:Preamble (8-bit alternating sequence) + Access Address (fixed 0x8E89BED6).Data Layer‌:PDU includes frame type (high 4 bits) and payload (big-endian byte order).

  2. Configuration ServiceAdjusts broadcast parameters dynamically through GATT service (UUID 0xFEAA), recommended to keep devices non-connectable by default to reduce power consumption.

4. Application Scenarios

Indoor Navigation‌:Museums/malls achieve location calibration through UID frames.No Installation Interaction‌:URL frames directly push discount links or guide pages.Device Monitoring‌:TLM frames report sensor status to management platforms.

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