Upload Methods
Bota supports four upload methods across its device lineup:| Method | Path | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BLE Sync | Device → Phone App → Cloud | All devices; phone always nearby |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Device → Phone (P2P Wi-Fi) → Cloud | Fast bulk transfer without a Wi-Fi network |
| WiFi Upload | Device → Wi-Fi Network → Cloud | Stationary setups with reliable Wi-Fi |
| 4G Upload | Device → Cellular Network → Cloud | Field work with no Wi-Fi or phone |
BLE Sync
The device transfers recordings to the companion mobile app over Bluetooth Low Energy. The app then uploads to the Bota cloud. This is the default method for all devices and works in any environment where a paired phone is within range.- Supported on all devices
- Typical range: ~10 meters
- Transfer speed depends on BLE connection quality
Wi-Fi Direct
The device creates a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connection with the companion app — no Wi-Fi router needed. This provides faster transfer speeds than BLE, making it useful for syncing large recordings or batch transfers.- Supported on all devices
- Faster than BLE; no network infrastructure required
- Initiated from the companion app
WiFi Upload
The device connects to a Wi-Fi network and uploads recordings directly to the Bota cloud, bypassing the phone entirely. Wi-Fi credentials are configured through the WiFi Config Grant flow via BLE.- Supported on all devices
- Lowest latency for direct upload when Wi-Fi is available
- Ideal for desk setups, clinics, and offices
4G Upload
The device uses its built-in cellular modem to upload recordings directly to the cloud. No phone or Wi-Fi needed — the device operates fully independently.- Supported on Bota Pin and Bota Pin Pro
- Works anywhere with cellular coverage
- See Cellular Mode for data management and configuration
Device Support Matrix
| Method | Bota Pin | Bota Pin Pro | Bota Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLE Sync | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Direct | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi Upload | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 4G Upload | Yes | Yes | — |
How Connectivity Works
Devices self-manage their network connections based on configured preferences. You control the behavior through device settings — the device handles the rest.Configuration
Upload behavior is configurable per device via the Update Device endpoint:| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
settings.connection.enabled_connections | Which connection types are active (e.g., ["wifi", "cellular"]) |
settings.connection.upload_network_preference | Ordered priority for uploads (e.g., ["wifi", "cellular", "ble"]) |
settings.connection.power_management | Idle timeouts for WiFi and cellular radios |
settings.upload.streaming_enabled | Enable real-time chunk upload during recording |
settings.upload.allow_roaming | Allow cellular upload while roaming |
settings.upload.daily_data_limit_mb | Cap daily cellular data usage |
Automatic Failover
When the preferred connection is unavailable, the device falls back to the next option inupload_network_preference. For example, with ["wifi", "cellular", "ble"]:
- Try WiFi — if connected and reachable, upload over WiFi
- Fall back to 4G — if WiFi is unavailable or fails
- Fall back to BLE — wait for phone to come in range and sync
Related
- Cellular Mode — 4G data management, SIM provisioning, power optimization
- Streaming Upload — Real-time upload during recording
- Device Management — Register, configure, and monitor devices
- WiFi Config Grant — Configure WiFi credentials via BLE