ZigBee is a standard for wireless communication of low-power devices used in home automation, sensor networks, and other applications. The name ZigBee is used for both the standard and the technology platform. ZigBee builds on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which specifies the physical layer and media access control for low-power personal networks.
The ZigBee Alliance, the group developing the ZigBee standard, defines it as “a global, open standards-based wireless technology that enables seamless, reliable and cost-effective communication between devices” ZigBee devices consume much less power than Wi-Fi devices, making them well suited for low-power applications such as home automation. ZigBee technology is used in a wide range of products, including light bulbs, alarm systems, and home energy management systems.
ZigBee devices communicate with each other using the ZigBee protocol. The ZigBee protocol stack is divided into three layers: the physical layer, the media access control layer, and the application layer. The physical layer defines the properties of the ZigBee radio signal, the media access control layer defines how devices access the ZigBee radio signal, and the application layer defines the behavior of ZigBee devices.
The ZigBee specification defines two types of devices: coordinator devices and terminal devices. Coordinator devices are responsible for managing and configuring the network, while end devices are the nodes that perform the actual data transmission.
Coordinator devices use a mesh network topology that allows them to communicate with other coordinator devices as well as end devices. Mesh networks are more reliable than star networks because if one node in a mesh network fails, the other nodes can route traffic around the failed node.
End devices use a star network topology that allows them to communicate with only a single coordinator device.
A global standard for low-power mesh networks and get started with your IoT Matter project today
As the Internet of Things (IoT) gains popularity, the need for standardized low-power mesh networking protocols becomes more apparent. Different vendors have developed their proprietary protocols, making it difficult for devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other. A global standard for low-power mesh networks would make it easier for manufacturers to develop products that work together and easier for consumers to deploy and use IoT devices.
IEEE 802.15.4 is a candidate for this standard. It is a low-power mesh networking protocol that has been used in industrial and commercial applications for years. It is based on the ZigBee protocol, which has proven to be reliable and robust. 802.15.4 is already used in several products, including the Nest thermostat and the Philips Hue lighting system.
The underlying technology for 802.15.4 is IEEE 802.15.4e, which defines several new features specifically for IoT applications. These features include:
-A simplified security model that is easier to use than that defined in 802.11i
-The ability to configure devices without a central controller
-Faster synchronization of devices
-Better support for power-saving modes
802.15.4e is still in the draft stage but is expected to be ratified in early 2017. Once ratified, it will become the global standard for low-power mesh networks.
Conclusion
ZigBee is a low-power, low-bandwidth wireless networking technology designed to connect devices in the home and office. It is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and sensors. And that’s What is Zigbee.
CE, the group that develops the ZigBee standard, defines it as “a global, open standards-based wireless technology enabling seamless, reliable, low-cost communication among devices.” ZigBee devices use much less power than Wi-Fi devices, which makes them well-suited for low-power applications such as home automation. ZigBee technology is used in a wide variety of products, including light bulbs, alarm systems, and home energy management systems.
ZigBee devices communicate with each other using the ZigBee protocol. The ZigBee protocol stack is divided into three layers: the physical layer, the media access control layer, and the application layer. The physical layer defines the characteristics of the ZigBee radio frequency signal, the media access control layer defines how devices access the ZigBee radio frequency signal, and the application layer defines the behavior of the ZigBee devices.
The ZigBee specification defines two types of devices: coordinator devices and end devices. Coordinator devices are responsible for managing and configuring the network, and end devices are the nodes that perform the actual data transmission.
Coordinator devices use a mesh network topology, allowing them to communicate with other coordinator devices and end devices. Mesh networks are more reliable than star networks because if a node in a mesh network fails, the other nodes can route traffic around the failed node.
End devices use a star network topology, which allows them to communicate with only a single coordinator device.
Worldwide Standard For Low Power Mesh Networks and get started today with your IoT Matter project
As the Internet of Things (IoT) gains in popularity, the need for standardized low-power mesh networking protocols becomes more apparent. Different vendors have developed their proprietary protocols, making it difficult for devices from different manufacturers to talk to each other. A worldwide standard for low-power mesh networking would make it easier for manufacturers to develop products that work together and would make it simpler for consumers to deploy and use IoT devices.
IEEE 802.15.4 is a candidate for this standard. It is a low-power mesh networking protocol that has been used for years in industrial and commercial applications. It is based on the ZigBee protocol, which has been proven to be reliable and robust. 802.15.4 is already used in several products, including the Nest thermostat and the Philips Hue lighting system.
The underlying technology for 802.15.4 is IEEE 802.15.4e, which defines several new features specifically for IoT applications. These features include:
-A simplified security model that is easier to use than the one defined in 802.11i
-Ability to configure devices without a central controller
-Faster synchronization of devices
-Better support for low-power modes
802.15.4e is still in draft form but is expected to be ratified in early 2017. Once it is ratified, it will become the worldwide standard for low-power mesh networking.
Conclusion
ZigBee is a low-power, low-bandwidth wireless networking technology designed to connect devices in the home and office. It is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and sensors.
