Bluetooth technology uses frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). This capability was designed to reduce interference between wireless technologies sharing the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
Properly configured WiFi network shouldn’t interfere with the Bluetooth signal. The best practice for WiFi configuration is enabling WiFi on one of the following channels: 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Other channels: 2, 3, 4, 13, 14 might cause interference with Bluetooth signal and it’s best to avoid them. When configuring three different WiFi networks the best solution is to use channels 1, 6 and 11. This helps to avoid the interference with Bluetooth Smart and between themselves.
Image source:
http://www.element14.com/community/groups/wireless/blog/2013/08/23/bluetooth-low-energy
Beacons in close proximity
Interference between individual beacons shouldn't be a significant issue. If they're very close, though, due to RSSI fluctuations, you might not always get correct information on which one is closer to you.
Materials, obstruction, and reflection
If possible place Estimote Beacons above your audience to avoid wireless barriers or position them to provide a clear signal path. You can find advice for beacon positioning in this article:
Best practices for installing Estimote Beacons.
Below are some common material types and their interference potential.
- Low interference potentials: wood, synthetic materials, and glass
- Medium interference potentials: bricks and marble
- High interferences potentials: plaster, concrete, and bulletproof glass
- Very high interference potentials: metal, water