Alibaba, Xiaomi and others join new Bluetooth SIG Smart Home Subgroup to boost mesh networking in the market

In response to growing adoption of Bluetooth mesh networking in smart home solutions, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has formed a new Smart Home Subgroup. According to the SIG, the announcement follows the decision from a growing number of market leaders to adopt Bluetooth mesh networking as a strategic communications protocol for smart home solutions. The new Smart Home Subgroup has been established to create additional Bluetooth mesh model specifications for smart home and related applications. Mesh models constitute the application layer of Bluetooth mesh networking and define the behaviour of devices connected to a Bluetooth mesh network. For example, mesh models define how a Bluetooth mesh light is controlled by a Bluetooth mesh switch. Like all Bluetooth technology specifications, the mesh models developed by this subgroup will be available to all member companies for use in conjunction with the Bluetooth mesh networking specifications, thereby enabling multi-vendor interoperability in the smart home.