Configuring mesh models using the nRF Mesh mobile app

The Bluetooth mesh samples use the nRF Mesh mobile app to perform provisioning and configuration.

Binding a model to an application key

Mesh models encrypt all their messages using the application keys. Models that should communicate with each other must be bound to the same application key.

Complete the following steps in the nRF Mesh app to bind a model to an application key:

  1. On the Network screen, tap the mesh device node. Basic information about the mesh node and its configuration is displayed.

  2. In the mesh node view, expand an element. It contains the list of models instantiated in the selected element of the node.

  3. Tap the model entry to see the model’s configuration.

  4. Bind the model to application key to make it open for communication:

    1. Tap BIND KEY at the top of the screen.

    2. Select the key from the list.

  5. Tap APPLY, in the right bottom corner of the screen, to confirm the configuration.

Creating a group

To send messages to more than one node in the mesh network, you must define groups for the models to publish and subscribe to. Complete the following steps in the nRF Mesh mobile app to create a new group:

  1. On the Groups screen, tap CREATE GROUP.

  2. Ensure that the group address type is selected from the drop-down menu.

  3. In the Name field, enter the group name.

  4. In the Address field, enter the group address.

  5. Tap OK.

Configuring model publication parameters

The publication parameters define how the model sends its messages. To configure the model publication parameters, complete the following steps in the nRF Mesh app:

  1. Tap SET PUBLICATION under the Publish section.

  2. Tap Publish Address under the Address section to set the publish address for the node.

  3. Select Groups from the drop-down menu.

  4. Select an existing group or create a new one.

  5. Tap OK.

  6. If necessary, set the publication interval and publication retransmission configuration. Otherwise, leave the publication parameters at their default values.

    1. Scroll down to the Publish Period view and set the publication interval by using the Interval slider. This will make the node publish its presence status periodically at the defined interval.

    2. Change the publication retransmission configuration under the Publish Retransmission section. Set the value for the Retransmit Count.

  7. Tap APPLY in the right bottom corner of the screen to confirm the configuration.

Subscribing to a group

To receive messages sent to group addresses, the models must subscribe to them. Complete the following steps in the nRF Mesh mobile app to configure subscription parameters:

  1. Tap SUBSCRIBE under the Subscriptions section.

  2. Select Groups.

  3. Select an existing group or create a new one.

  4. Tap OK.

  5. Double-tap the back arrow button at the top left corner of the app to get back to the main application screen.