Beacons

In essence, beacons are transmitters that send one-way signals to receivers within a limited range. These signals can be light, sound, or radio waves, depending on the specific type of beacon. Here’s a breakdown of the different ways beacons are used:

1.  Navigation Beacons:

• Traditional Use: Historically, lighthouses acted as beacons, using powerful lights to guide ships at night or in foggy conditions.
• Modern Applications: Radio beacons are used in aviation and maritime navigation to help pilots and sailors determine their location and avoid hazards.

2.  Warning Beacons:

• Emergency Applications: Emergency beacons, like Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs), transmit distress signals that can be detected by search and rescue teams.

3.  Proximity Beacons:

• Modern Technology: These beacons utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit signals to nearby smartphones or other BLE-enabled devices.
• Real-World Applications: Proximity beacons are used in various industries for location-based services, such as:
  • Retail: Triggering targeted promotions or product information on a customer’s smartphone as they enter a store.
  • Museums: Providing visitors with additional information about exhibits as they approach them.
  • Warehouses and Asset Tracking: Monitoring the location and movement of inventory or equipment.

Figurative Use of Beacons:

• “Beacon of Hope”: A metaphor for something that provides guidance, inspiration, or a sense of possibility during challenging times.

Here’s a table summarizing the different types of beacons: