Performance evaluation of frameworks for iBeacon-based localization using bluetooth low energy

Indoor location is crucial for enabling the provisioning of novel location-based services in several areas. There are many different technologies that could be used in order to implement a reliable indoor location service, such as, among others, Beacon with Bluetooth Low Energy, Ultrasound wave system with special receivers. The choice between these technologies must take into account multiple parameters (e.g., user-centrality, proactivity,..), and should be driven by not only industrial relevance but also cost-effectiveness issues. In this paper we claim that Beacon with Bluetooth Low Energy is the best solution for indoor localization, and we present an extensive comparison between two frameworks that are the most relevant solutions interacting with beacon technology: Apple Core Location Framework and Estimote Monitoring. The comparison results offer a clear vision of which framework has to be used in order to implement a reliable and cost-effective indoor location-based service.