iBeacon is a protocol developed by Apple that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit a signal that can be picked up by nearby devices, such as smartphones. The iBeacon protocol format is based on the standard BLE advertising packet, which is a small amount of data that is broadcast at regular intervals.
The iBeacon protocol format includes the following components:
- Proximity UUID: This is a unique identifier that is used to identify a group of beacons. It is typically a 128-bit value.
- Major and Minor: This is a 16-bit value that is used to identify a specific beacon within a group of beacons.
- Measured Power: This is a value that is used to indicate the expected signal strength of the beacon at a distance of one meter. This value is used to estimate the distance between the device and the beacon.
Together, the Proximity UUID, Major, and Minor values make up a unique identifier for each beacon, which can be used to determine the beacon’s location or trigger an action on a nearby device.
It’s worth noting that the iBeacon protocol is one of the many implementations of BLE beacons, and other protocols and vendors have different formats.