Need to certify wireless devices in Chile but don't know the difference between WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and RFID? This technical guide explains the unique characteristics of each technology, their specific certification requirements, and how to comply with SUBTEL regulations under Resolution 737.
With 21 years certifying over 1,500 short-range devices, at Certificación Telecom we know the particularities of each technology. Here we share everything you need to know.
📌 What you'll learn in this guide:
- Technical differences between WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and RFID
- Authorized frequency bands in Chile for each technology
- Specific SUBTEL certification requirements
- Comparison of costs, timeframes, and complexity
- Typical use cases and applications
- How to choose the correct certification for your device
Quick comparison: WiFi vs Bluetooth vs Zigbee vs RFID
Before diving into each technology, here's a quick comparison of the four most common short-range technologies:
| Feature | WiFi | Bluetooth | Zigbee | RFID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical range | 50-100m | 10-100m | 10-100m | 0.1-10m |
| Main frequency | 2.4/5/6 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 125 kHz - 915 MHz |
| Data rate | High (Mbps-Gbps) | Medium (1-3 Mbps) | Low (250 kbps) | Very low |
| Power consumption | High | Medium-Low | Very low | Minimal/Passive |
| Topology | Star | Point-to-point/Mesh | Mesh | Reader-Tag |
| Typical use | Internet, video | Audio, wearables | Home automation, sensors | Identification |
| Certification complexity | Medium-High | Medium | Medium | Low-Medium |
WiFi: Certification of high-bandwidth devices
WiFi (802.11)
WiFi is the world's most popular wireless connectivity technology, designed to provide high-speed internet access. Based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, it has evolved from speeds of 11 Mbps (802.11b, 1999) to multiple Gbps (WiFi 6E and WiFi 7, 2024).
WiFi technical specifications in Chile:
- Authorized bands:
- 2.4 GHz: Channels 1-13 (2400-2483.5 MHz)
- 5 GHz: UNII-1, UNII-2A, UNII-2C, UNII-3 bands (5150-5850 MHz)
- 6 GHz: Under evaluation by SUBTEL (coming soon for WiFi 6E)
- Maximum power: Variable by band (typically 20-30 dBm EIRP)
- Common standards: 802.11n (WiFi 4), 802.11ac (WiFi 5), 802.11ax (WiFi 6)
- Channel width: 20, 40, 80, 160 MHz depending on standard
WiFi devices we certify:
- Home and enterprise routers
- Access Points (AP)
- Repeaters and extenders
- IoT devices with WiFi (IP cameras, thermostats, smart locks)
- Laptops, tablets, smartphones with WiFi modules
- Mesh WiFi systems
Specific WiFi certification requirements:
- Mandatory RF tests: In-band emissions, out-of-band, maximum power, EIRP
- EMC: Conducted and radiated emissions, immunity
- DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection): If operating in 5 GHz bands requiring radar detection
- Documentation: IEEE 802.11 declaration of conformity, RF module block diagram
Approximate time and cost:
⏱️ Time: 2-4 weeks with complete documentation
💰 Cost: From $400,000 CLP (simple devices) to $1,500,000 CLP (multi-band, multi-protocol)
Bluetooth: Certification of personal connectivity devices
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology designed for personal connections. There are two main variants: Bluetooth Classic (for audio, file transfer) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE, for wearables and sensors).
Bluetooth technical specifications in Chile:
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2483.5 MHz)
- Channels: 79 channels of 1 MHz (Classic) or 40 channels of 2 MHz (BLE)
- Maximum power:
- Class 1: 100 mW (20 dBm) - Range ~100m
- Class 2: 2.5 mW (4 dBm) - Range ~10m (most common)
- Class 3: 1 mW (0 dBm) - Range ~1m
- Common versions: Bluetooth 4.2, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3
- Speed: Up to 3 Mbps (Classic) or 2 Mbps (BLE 5.0+)
Bluetooth devices we certify:
- Headphones and earbuds (TWS, over-ear)
- Wireless speakers
- Wearables (smartwatches, fitness bands)
- Wireless keyboards and mice
- BLE beacons
- Bluetooth medical devices (monitors, glucose meters)
- Automotive hands-free systems
Specific Bluetooth certification requirements:
- RF tests: Transmission power, spectral density, frequency hopping
- EMC: Electromagnetic emissions and susceptibility
- Bluetooth SIG certification: If the device uses the Bluetooth brand, it must be certified by Bluetooth SIG (recommended but not mandatory for SUBTEL)
- BLE vs Classic: Clearly identify which version is implemented
Approximate time and cost:
⏱️ Time: 1-3 weeks with complete documentation
💰 Cost: From $350,000 CLP (simple BLE devices) to $1,200,000 CLP (Classic + BLE with audio)
Zigbee: Certification of mesh network devices
Zigbee
Zigbee is a wireless communication protocol designed specifically for low-power applications in sensor networks and home automation. Its main advantage is the ability to form mesh networks where each device can act as a repeater, extending the network range.
Zigbee technical specifications in Chile:
- Frequency band: 2.4 GHz (2400-2483.5 MHz) - Global ISM band
- Channels: 16 channels of 5 MHz (channel 11 to 26)
- Typical power: 0-10 dBm (1-10 mW)
- Data rate: 250 kbps (sufficient for commands and sensors)
- Base standard: IEEE 802.15.4
- Topology: Star, tree, or mesh
Zigbee devices we certify:
- Smart sensors (temperature, humidity, motion, doors)
- Smart lighting controllers (Philips Hue, IKEA Trådfri)
- Smart thermostats
- Smart locks
- Smart plugs
- Zigbee gateways/hubs
- Low-power industrial control systems
Specific Zigbee certification requirements:
- RF tests: Emissions, power, interference with other 2.4 GHz devices
- EMC: Particularly important in industrial applications
- Zigbee Alliance certification: If using official Zigbee branding, must be certified with the Alliance (optional for SUBTEL)
- Interoperability: If part of ecosystem (e.g., Matter, Zigbee 3.0), document compatibility
Approximate time and cost:
⏱️ Time: 1-3 weeks with complete documentation
💰 Cost: From $350,000 CLP (simple sensors) to $900,000 CLP (complex gateways)
RFID: Certification of radio frequency identification systems
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification)
RFID is an automatic identification technology that uses electromagnetic fields to transfer data. Unlike WiFi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, RFID doesn't establish a continuous bidirectional "connection," but rather allows passive or active reading of tags through a reader.
RFID technical specifications in Chile:
- RFID frequency bands:
- LF (Low Frequency): 125-134 kHz - Short range (~10cm), common in access control
- HF (High Frequency): 13.56 MHz - Medium range (~1m), used in NFC, payment cards
- UHF (Ultra High Frequency): 860-960 MHz (in Chile: 915 MHz ISM band) - Long range (~10m), inventory and logistics
- Passive vs active tags: Passive (no battery, powered by reader) vs Active (with battery, greater range)
- Standards: ISO 14443 (HF), ISO 15693 (HF), EPC Gen2 (UHF)
RFID devices we certify:
- Fixed and portable RFID readers (LF, HF, UHF)
- Active tags (with transmitter)
- RFID access control systems
- UHF RFID antennas
- NFC readers (subset of HF RFID)
- Inventory and asset tracking systems
- RFID portals for warehouses
Specific RFID certification requirements:
- Frequency and band: Certification varies significantly by frequency (LF, HF, UHF)
- Radiated power: Especially critical in UHF systems that can have high EIRP
- EMC: Important in industrial environments with sensitive equipment
- Passive tags: Generally do not require certification (don't actively transmit), but readers do
- Active tags: Do require full certification
Approximate time and cost:
⏱️ Time: 1-3 weeks (passive tags/simple readers) to 3-5 weeks (complex UHF systems)
💰 Cost: From $300,000 CLP (basic HF readers) to $1,200,000 CLP (long-range UHF systems)
How to choose which technology to certify?
If you manufacture or import devices that integrate multiple technologies (for example, a smartphone with WiFi + Bluetooth, or a home automation hub with Zigbee + WiFi), you need to certify each technology separately.
Decision by use case:
- Need high-speed internet? → WiFi
- Personal audio devices or wearables? → Bluetooth
- Low-power sensor network? → Zigbee
- Battery-free identification and tracking? → RFID (passive)
- Long-range asset tracking? → RFID (active UHF)
Certification complexity by technology:
| Technology | Required documentation | Laboratory tests | Overall complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | High (multiple bands) | Mandatory (RF + EMC + DFS if applicable) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High) |
| Bluetooth | Medium | Mandatory (RF + EMC) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) |
| Zigbee | Medium | Mandatory (RF + EMC) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) |
| RFID LF/HF | Low-Medium | Recommended | ⭐⭐ (Low-Medium) |
| RFID UHF | Medium | Mandatory (RF + EMC) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Medium) |
Process under Resolution 737 for all technologies
The good news is that under the new SUBTEL Resolution 737 (effective February 2026), the process has been significantly simplified for all these technologies.
🎯 Unified process for WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and RFID:
- Gather technical documentation (specific to each technology, see above)
- Generate compliance page with device technical information
- Create QR code pointing to compliance page
- Include QR on packaging per SUBTEL specifications
- Legally commercialize in Chile
Exception: Medical devices using these technologies still require traditional SUBTEL certification.
Common mistakes when certifying wireless devices
1. Confusing the device technology
A client contacted us to certify a "Bluetooth device" that turned out to be Zigbee. The confusion delayed the process 2 weeks. Always verify the exact technical specifications of the RF module before starting.
2. Not verifying frequency bands authorized in Chile
WiFi 5 GHz devices that work perfectly in USA may operate on channels NOT authorized in Chile. Always consult the specific bands permitted by SUBTEL.
3. Forgetting to certify each technology in multi-radio devices
An IoT gateway with WiFi + Zigbee requires two certifications, not one. Each wireless technology is evaluated independently.
4. Ignoring DFS requirements on WiFi 5 GHz
If your WiFi router operates in certain 5 GHz bands (5250-5350 MHz and 5470-5725 MHz), it must include DFS (radar detection). Without this certified functionality, the device will be rejected.
Frequently asked questions about wireless technology certification
Can I certify a device that has WiFi + Bluetooth together?
Yes, but you need to document and certify both technologies. Many modern modules (e.g., Espressif ESP32, Nordic nRF) integrate multiple radios. The process is more efficient if you do everything together with the same agent.
Do pre-certified modules (FCC, CE) simplify the process in Chile?
Yes, significantly. If your device uses a WiFi or Bluetooth module that already has FCC or CE certification, the RF documentation is already available, which reduces time and costs. You still need to comply with SUBTEL, but the process is much faster.
Are Zigbee and Thread/Matter the same?
Not exactly. Zigbee uses IEEE 802.15.4 as the physical layer. Thread also uses 802.15.4, and Matter is an application standard that can run over Thread, WiFi, or Ethernet. For SUBTEL, you certify the RF layer (802.15.4), regardless of the upper protocol.
Do I need to re-certify if I update my Bluetooth device firmware?
It depends. If the firmware updates only the application logic without touching RF parameters (power, frequencies, modulation), you don't need to re-certify. If any RF aspect changes, you do require updating the certification.
Which technology is fastest to certify?
Generally, RFID LF/HF and Zigbee are the fastest (1-2 weeks with complete documentation). Multi-band WiFi tends to be the most complex (3-4 weeks). Bluetooth is in the middle (2-3 weeks).
Need to certify WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or RFID devices?
With 21 years of experience certifying all these technologies, we help you navigate the process quickly and without complications. We know the technical particularities of each protocol.
Related resources
- SUBTEL Resolution 737: complete guide 2026 - New certification regulations
- How to certify short-range devices in Chile - Step-by-step process
- Official SUBTEL - Subsecretariat of Telecommunications
- Our certification services - How we help you
Last updated: October 5, 2025
Author: Certificación Telecom - Wireless technology certification specialists since 2004