Dimension scores are derived from public data and fields; weighted into the composite. Reference only.
beaconDB is an experimental network location database and API service for Wi‑Fi, cellular tower, and IP-based location estimation. It emphasizes “ethically sourced” and opt-in data collection: users voluntarily submit coverage information through collection apps, and the server aggregates it to provide location capabilities to clients. The website also notes that the service may be inaccurate or unreliable, and because it is being built from scratch, many regions may not yet have Wi‑Fi coverage.
beaconDB provides https://api.beacondb.net/v1/geolocate and states that it is compatible with the MLS/Ichnaea API, which is helpful for existing Mozilla Location Service-compatible clients. Data can be submitted via Android tools such as NeoStumbler, Tower Collector, and Network Survey; after submission, it takes at least 5 minutes before the data becomes available through the API. For client integration, microG can select beaconDB as the online location service in settings; Linux can override the Wi‑Fi positioning URL through Geoclue; Firefox can also be configured directly in about:config or set to use Geoclue.
The website mentions that the source code and issue tracker are hosted on Codeberg, indicating a degree of open collaboration. However, the main text does not clearly state a software license, nor does it provide self-hosting deployment instructions. Data dumps are currently unavailable because the project is still working on data obfuscation to protect the privacy of contributors and AP owners; in the future, it plans to release obfuscated data under a public domain license. In terms of documentation, the homepage provides practical configuration paths and endpoints, which are enough for basic integration, but it lacks production-grade developer documentation covering full API parameters, response formats, error codes, rate limits, authentication, SLA, and related details.
No commercial pricing or paid plans are mentioned in the main text. The service appears to be a community-oriented public service and accepts donations via Liberapay. Support channels include Codeberg issues, Grafana metrics, Mastodon/Bluesky updates, and Matrix rooms/spaces. Its strengths are transparency, a privacy-oriented approach, and compatibility with the existing location ecosystem; its limitations are that it is clearly experimental, coverage is uncertain, and there is no commercial support commitment.
It is suitable for Android ROM users using microG, Linux desktop location needs, Firefox network location replacement configurations, and developers who want to use an MLS/Ichnaea-compatible interface. Commercial products that depend heavily on stable positioning, global coverage, or enterprise SLAs should evaluate it carefully. The main text does not provide information about access from mainland China. API access, Codeberg, F-Droid, Google Play, and related links may be affected by the network environment, so actual availability should be tested independently. Alternatives to compare include Google Geolocation API, OpenCellID, DB-IP, or a self-hosted Ichnaea-like solution.
⚠ This review is compiled from public sources and does not constitute a purchase recommendation. Verify all facts on the vendor's official site. Verify on beacondb.net official site.
beacondb.net is an Unknown API & Data provider. TG4G tracks its product information, an overall rating of 7.0/10, and a China-accessibility score of China direct-connect friendly. Click "Visit Official Site" to reach beacondb.net directly.