What Is Wireless Tracking?
Wireless tracking uses Bluetooth signals and cellular-connected gateways to automatically detect tools and equipment equipped with wireless tags.
This article explains the core concepts so new users understand how the system works before installation or setup.
How Wireless Tracking Works
Wireless tracking relies on two core components:
Gateways: Devices that listen for Bluetooth signals.
Tags: Small beacons attached to tools that transmit a Bluetooth signal.
When a tag comes within range of a gateway, the gateway sends that information to ToolWatch, updating the tool’s last known location.
Key System Components
Gateways
Gateways detect Bluetooth signals from tags and transmit data to ToolWatch. They may be:
Plug-in gateways (scan more frequently)
Battery-powered gateways (scan a few times per day)
Gateways must have cell service to report data.
Tags
Tags are Bluetooth beacons that regularly broadcast their unique signal.
Each tag includes:
A MAC Address (12-digit alphanumeric ID such as DD650B50BT5)
A manufacturer and model
Tags do not use the number printed on the physical tag for the MAC address.
Signal Radius and Detection
Gateways listen for tags within a spherical detection radius of up to 200 feet in ideal conditions. Signal range may be reduced by:
Walls
Heavy machinery
Dense materials
Physical obstructions
RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) determines how strong the signal is and can be used to shrink the detection radius if needed.
Data Logging in ToolWatch
When a gateway detects a tag:
The gateway reports the scan to ToolWatch.
ToolWatch logs the Last Wireless Scan, Last Scan Location, and Scan Area for the item.
If the tag leaves the gateway’s range, the scan stops until it is detected again.
This helps users track where tools are, when they were last seen, and whether they are missing or misplaced.
Common Questions Users Ask
Does wireless tracking work indoors and outdoors?
Yes. Gateways can be installed in warehouses, shops, tool rooms, or in weather-protected outdoor locations.
Does the system use GPS?
Only GPS-enabled trackers use GPS. Standard BLE tags rely solely on Bluetooth and gateways.
Do gateways need Wi-Fi?
Gateways use cellular service, not Wi-Fi, unless special instructions are provided by ToolWatch.