We start from a fact: BLE uses a connection and interval mechanism to transmit data.During the connection, data is exchanged between the central device and the peripheral device; during the interval, the central and peripheral devices are forced to disconnect and remain silent. The duration of the connection can be set between 7.5 ms and 4 s, and is configured based on the request of the central device.
Human interactions also follow the same philosophy, where a person simultaneously acts as both a central device and a peripheral device, needing to both speak and listen. In general, the longer the connection, the lower the achievable throughput; just as when someone talks continuously for an hour, only a few sentences can be understood. Conversely, shorter connections yield higher throughput, akin to someone teaching in a structured manner, pausing after each point to ensure understanding.Shorter connection intervals will result in higher power consumption; in other words, a person has greater energy.Similarly, interactions between people and events also exist within intervals and connections. Montaigne said: “There are traps everywhere in the world; to be foolproof, one must sample lightly. One should skim the surface and not sink too deep. Indulgence in pleasures can lead to sorrow.” This reflects a shorter connection interval; Xunzi said: “Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand miles; without gathering small streams, one cannot form a river or sea.” This reflects a longer connection interval.I advocate for dynamic connections and intervals,“When valuing something, one knows to be persistent; when undervaluing something, one also knows to let go.” Adjusting the parameters of connections and intervals dynamically is the art of happiness. Furthermore, Buddhist teachings suggest to approach worldly matters with a transcendent mindset. Using short connections for long connection tasks is a secret method of transcending the mundane and achieving rebirth.“One must know that diversity is the source of happiness,” as Russell said, is the second key to happiness. Connections created by people should be diverse, rich, specific, and interesting. “Every day that does not involve dancing is a betrayal of life.” Balance is the third source of happiness.The technical reason for BLE introducing connection intervals is to find a balance between data throughput/latency and energy consumption. Longer connection intervals mean longer gaps between communication events, allowing devices to sleep for extended periods, thus significantly saving power. Conversely, shorter connection intervals imply more frequent interactions, which can reduce communication latency and improve the timeliness of data transmission, but devices will consume more energy due to frequent wake-ups. “Between excess and deficiency lies the virtuous middle path.”
The best connection for a person is to be awake, and the best interval is to be asleep. “In dreams, there are clearly six pleasures, but upon waking, there is emptiness in the vast universe.” After writing this, I think I will go to sleep!
Good night