WiFiBLE

WiFiBLE is a term used to describe a set of techniques that integrate Wi‑Fi networking with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to simplify onboarding and data exchange for Internet of Things devices. It is not a single standard but a pattern seen in multiple vendor implementations and open projects, often focused on provisioning devices for a Wi‑Fi network and enabling initial configuration via BLE.

In typical WiFiBLE designs, a gateway or bridge carries both Wi‑Fi and BLE radios and sits between a BLE‑capable device and a Wi‑Fi network. During setup, a mobile app or onboarding device connects to the target device over BLE to provide network configuration data, such as SSID and credentials. The gateway then connects to the local Wi‑Fi network and relays information to the device, enabling operation over IP. Some approaches support ongoing data exchanges over BLE for small control messages, while others rely on the Wi‑Fi link for primary communication and use BLE only for provisioning.

Common uses include onboarding smart home devices, sensors, and wearables in scenarios where typing credentials on a phone is difficult. Security concerns focus on protecting credentials during provisioning, encrypting BLE links, and using authenticated channels over Wi‑Fi; interoperability depends on project‑specific implementations since no universal standard exists.

Related topics include Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, Matter, and IoT provisioning.