Evolution of Bluetooth Technology: BLE in the IoT Ecosystem

The Internet of Things (IoT) has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) emerging as a key enabler of low-power, low-cost wireless connectivity. This review article provides an overview of the evolution of Bluetooth technology, focusing on the role of BLE in the IoT ecosystem. It examines the current state of BLE, including its applications, challenges, limitations, and recent advancements in areas such as security, power management, and mesh networking. The recent release of Bluetooth Low Energy version 6.0 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) highlights the technology's ongoing evolution and growing importance within the IoT. However, this rapid development highlights a gap in the current literature, a lack of comprehensive, up-to-date reviews that fully capture the contemporary landscape of BLE in IoT applications. This paper analyzes the emerging trends and future directions for BLE, including the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and audio capabilities. The analysis also considers the alignment of BLE features with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly energy efficiency, sustainable cities, and climate action. By examining the development and deployment of BLE technology, this article aims to provide insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with its adoption in various IoT applications, from smart homes and cities to industrial automation and healthcare. This review highlights the significance of the evolution of BLE in shaping the future of wireless communication and IoT, and provides a foundation for further research and innovation in this field.