Comparing Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.4 - Features and Spec Differences

This post compares Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.4 to understand its features and differences better.

This comprehensive overview will walk you through the fantastic new features and enhancements that Bluetooth 5.4 brings to the table, paving the way for a more seamless and secure user experience. So, let’s embark on this journey of discovery together!

Related: Bluetooth 5.2 vs 5.3

Table of Contents

Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.3 includes:

Encryption Key Size Control Enhancement: This feature allows the host to set the minimum key size the controller can accept when negotiating the critical size to be used on a new Bluetooth BR/EDR connection.
Connection Subrating: This feature allows for more efficient radio spectrum and power consumption use by extending the connection interval in certain situations without affecting the latency or connection quality.
Channel Classification Update: This feature improves adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) by allowing for more frequent updates to the channel classification, which can help avoid interference from other wireless devices.

Now, let’s compare these features with the ones introduced in Bluetooth 5.4:

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Feature	Bluetooth 5.2	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 5.4
Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR)	Not available	Not available	Available
Encrypted Advertising Data	Not available	Not available	Available
LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic	Not available	Not available	Available
Advertising Coding Selection	Not available	Not available	Available
Encryption Key Size Control Enhancement	Not available	Available	Yes
Connection Subrating	Not available	Available	Yes
Channel Classification Update	Not available	Available	Yes
New Features	Angle of Arrival (AoA) and Angle of Departure (AoD)	LE Audio, LE Isochronous Channels, Directional Advertisements, Channel Selection, Privacy	Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR), Channel Classification enhancements

Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR):

The first awe-inspiring feature introduced in Bluetooth 5.4 is the Periodic Advertising with Responses (PAwR). This new addition revolutionizes the data transport architecture for Bluetooth-enabled devices. With PAwR, devices can now efficiently exchange advertising packets at regular or irregular intervals, opening up a world of possibilities for developers and users.

Picture this: You have a smartwatch that periodically sends advertising packets containing health data, and your smartphone scans and responds to these packets with a request for more information. Thanks to PAwR, this exchange becomes more streamlined, power-efficient, and reliable, transforming your user experience.

Encrypted Advertising Data:

Security has always been a paramount concern in wireless communication, and Bluetooth 5.4 addresses this with the introduction of Encrypted Advertising Data. This groundbreaking feature allows devices to broadcast sensitive data securely within advertising packets, ensuring that confidential information remains safe from prying eyes.

Whether you’re making contactless payments or exchanging private messages, the encryption process in Bluetooth 5.4 provides peace of mind, knowing that your data is protected. Embracing the future of Bluetooth connectivity means adopting a more secure and trustworthy digital landscape.

LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic:

In Bluetooth 5.4, another noteworthy enhancement is the LE GATT Security Levels Characteristic (SLC). This characteristic empowers clients to determine the security conditions set by GATT servers before accessing application attributes. Imagine being able to check the security requirements beforehand, ensuring a smooth user experience without unexpected security interruptions during application usage.

Bluetooth 5.4 offers developers the flexibility to design applications with varying security needs by providing different security modes and levels, ultimately leading to better user-centric designs.

Advertising Coding Selection:

Flexibility and efficiency are crucial factors in wireless communication, and Bluetooth 5.4 takes this to heart with the introduction of Advertising Coding Selection. This feature gives devices control over an essential parameter when utilizing the LE-coded PHY for extended advertising.

As a result, Bluetooth LE advertising becomes more streamlined, allowing for improved communication between devices while conserving valuable resources. Whether you’re connecting to smart home devices or sharing data between wearables, this enhancement in Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a more efficient and effective communication experience.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our exploration of Bluetooth Core Specification Version 5.4, one thing is clear – technology never stands still. Bluetooth 5.4 introduces impressive features, including PAwR, Encrypted Advertising Data, LE GATT Security level characteristics, and Advertising Coding Selection. These enhancements collectively push the boundaries of wireless connectivity, elevating the user experience to new heights.

So, let’s embrace the technological evolution and welcome Bluetooth 5.4 with open arms. The future of wireless communication is here, and it’s ready to enrich our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined before. Stay tuned for the incredible innovations that will be built upon this cutting-edge technology as developers worldwide harness the power of Bluetooth 5.4 to create even more extraordinary experiences!

Also Read: Differences between Bluetooth 5.2 vs 5.1 vs 5.0
Official documentation: Bluetooth.org

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