Bluetooth 5 is a wireless communication technology primarily used for short-range data transmission. In the Bluetooth 5 standard, several new features have been introduced, including extended transmission range, larger broadcast message capacity, and enhanced connectivity with other devices.
Regarding the number of devices that can be connected, the supported device count is primarily limited by the Bluetooth adapter of the master device (such as smartphones or computers). Theoretically, a Bluetooth master device can manage up to seven slave devices, as the connection process typically establishes a so-called "piconet," which includes one master device and up to seven active slave devices. However, not all slave devices need to be active simultaneously; the master device can establish connections with other slave devices, but only seven devices can be active at any given time.
Additionally, Bluetooth 5 introduces "mesh networking" technology, enabling devices to interconnect via relaying and theoretically supporting thousands of devices simultaneously. Mesh networks are suitable for applications such as smart homes and industrial automation, where numerous devices require communication and collaboration.
For example, in a smart home system, Bluetooth 5 mesh networking allows multiple smart bulbs, smart sockets, and sensors to be connected, extending coverage throughout the house via relaying to achieve full-home intelligent control.
In summary, Bluetooth 5 supports up to eight devices (including one master device) in traditional piconet connections, while mesh networking technology enables support for hundreds or thousands of devices, significantly expanding the application scope of Bluetooth technology.