BLE Multi-link Example

This example requires one of the following SoftDevices: S130, S132

Important: Before you run this example, make sure to program the SoftDevice.

The BLE Multi-link Central example application shows how one central can be connected to several peripherals simultaneously. We have use two or more Experimental: BLE Blinky Application as peripherals.

When the Central is scanning for peripherals, LED 1 is on. If it is in one or more connections, LED 2 turns on. (If no more connections can be established LED 1 turns off.) Experimental: BLE Blinky Application Peripherals that connect to the Central will be able to control the Central's LED 3 using Button 1. Similarly, pressing button 1 on the Central will control the LEDs on all the connected Peripherals.

The central application uses the LED Button Service Client. For each link it must allocate an instance of this service. The central application will connect to any peer that has the device name "Nordic_Blinky".

Setup

BLE Multi-link Central: You can find the source code and project file of the example in the following folder: <InstallFolder>\examples\ble_central\ble_app_multilink_central

BLE Multi-link Peripheral: You can find the source code and project file of the example in the following folder: <InstallFolder>\examples\ble_peripheral\ble_app_blinky

The BLE Multi-link Example requires at least three boards to verify that more than one link is active. The central device can have a maximum of 8 concurrent connections to peripheral devices.

LED assignments

• LED 1: On when advertising. Off when not advertising (max concurrent links reached).
• LED 2: On while in connection(s).
• LED 3: During connection This LED can be toggled by the connected Experimental: BLE Blinky Application peripherals.

Button assignments

• Button 1: Toggle LED on all connected peripherals.

Testing

Test the BLE Multi-link Example application by performing the following steps:

1. Compile and program the peripheral application (Experimental: BLE Blinky Client Application Example) on two boards.
2. This means they are advertising and are waiting for the central device to connect.
3. Compile and program the central application onto a third board.
4. As soon as the central application is programmed, it starts scanning and attempts to connect to the peripherals and enable notifications. On all three boards, LED 2 is on. This shows that they are in a connection.
5. Press button 1 on the central board. Observe that LED 3 on the peripheral boards turn on.
6. For each of the peripherals, press button 1 on the peripheral. Observe that LED 3 on the central turns on.