In the modern world of technology, where everything is online, ZigBee has gained popularity as a device networking technology. IoT devices frequently use the wireless communication technology known as ZigBee. It is a low-cost, dependable, and low-power technology that enables wireless communication between devices. Through the use of a mesh network topology, ZigBee enables direct or indirect communication between devices. We will talk about ZigBee technology, its applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), and how it operates in this article.
Describe Zigbee
ZigBee is a wireless protocol that connects devices via low-power radio signals. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which specifies the medium and physical access control layers for low-rate wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs), serves as its foundation. LR-WPANs are made for low-power gadgets with constrained memory and processing capabilities.
Since ZigBee is a mesh networking technology, it can establish a network of devices in which each device can serve as a router for other networked devices. Because of this, ZigBee can offer dependable and redundant communication channels in difficult-to-reach places. With a single network supporting up to 65,000 devices, ZigBee has a range of up to 100 meters.
ZigBee is widely used in Internet of Things devices, including industrial automation, smart lighting, and smart home devices. Because ZigBee devices usually consume little power, they are perfect for devices that run on batteries.
How is ZigBee operated?
ZigBee operates by establishing a mesh network of connected devices that speak to one another via low-power radio signals. Every device connected to the network has the ability to function as a router, which enables it to receive and transmit messages to other connected devices. As a result, ZigBee can establish a redundant communication channel between devices, enhancing network dependability.
Additionally, ZigBee employs a special addressing scheme for network device identification. ZigBee is able to offer security features like authentication and encryption to shield the network from unwanted access thanks to this addressing scheme.
Qualities of ZigBee wireless technology
ZigBee is a standards-based wireless technology with user-friendliness, security, and dependability in mind. Among the main characteristics of ZigBee are:
Low Power Consumption
ZigBee is perfect for battery-powered devices because of its low power consumption design.
Mesh networking
ZigBee is compatible with mesh networking, which expands the range and dependability of device communication by enabling it over several paths.
Low Latency
Real-time control and monitoring are made possible by ZigBee’s low latency communication.
Easy to use
Plug-and-play functionality makes ZigBee a simple to use technology.
Security
To prevent unwanted access, ZigBee has sophisticated security features.
Typical ZigBee network architecture
Let’s examine the components of the ZigBee network and the kinds of devices that can be included in it.
A coordinator node
Is one that keeps the network structured. It selects the network security policy, decides whether to permit or forbid new devices from connecting to the network, and starts the process of moving every device on the network to a different frequency channel in the event of radio interference.
A router
Is a node that is powered on all the time and can thus be continuously involved in the network’s operations. Moreover, a coordinator is a router. These kinds of nodes are in charge of traffic routing within networks. Special routing tables, which are used to plan the best route and locate a new one in the event of an unexpected device failure, are continuously maintained by routers. In a ZigBee network, routers could be smart outlets, lighting control boxes, or any other electrically powered device.
A device
That does not take part in traffic routing and connects to the network via a parent node, such as a router or coordinator, is called an endpoint device. For them, the only ways to communicate with the network are through sending packets to the “parent” node and receiving incoming data from it. Any router or coordinator can serve as the “parent” for these devices. The majority of the time, end devices transmit control or informational messages while they are in sleep mode. As a result, they are able to prolong the life of the integrated power supply’s energy.
Comparing Zigbee with other protocols for wireless communication
IoT uses a variety of wireless communication protocols, not just ZigBee. Additional protocols for wireless communication encompass Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Thread. Every protocol has benefits and drawbacks of its own.
Wi-Fi
A popular protocol for high-speed wireless communication to the Internet is called Wi-Fi. However, because Wi-Fi uses a lot of power, it is not appropriate for devices that run on batteries.
Bluetooth
For short-range communication, Bluetooth is a popular low-power wireless communication protocol. Unfortunately, Bluetooth’s short range renders it inappropriate for extensive Internet of Things applications.
Thread
ZigBee and Thread are two wireless communication protocols that are comparable. Nevertheless, Thread facilitates the integration of Thread networks with network applications by adding support for the IP protocol.
ZigBee is a low-power, low-cost, and dependable technology that is frequently utilized in Internet of Things devices when compared to other protocols.
A central gateway is used for network communication in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks. Furthermore, data exchange is rendered impossible if it fails. Additionally, in the event that the radio signal encounters an unforeseen obstruction in its path, individual nodes may be left without communication.
The existence of redundant links between devices improves communication reliability in ZigBee and Thread networks. Every gadget that doesn’t enter sleep mode functions as a router, choosing the best path and sending packets again when needed to route network traffic. The ZigBee network can function even in the event that the device acting as the network organizer malfunctions. Because there are redundant links, there is no criticality in the event of interference, obstacles, or router failure. Thus, the network becomes more dependable with the addition of more fixed-powered nodes that are capable of handling router functions.
Аpplication of ZigBee in the Internet of Things
In IoT solutions like smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare, ZigBee is widely used.
- ZigBee is used in smart homes to connect smart lighting, locks, and thermostats, among other devices. These gadgets can speak with the Internet and with one another thanks to ZigBee.
- ZigBee is used in industrial automation for industrial control systems and wireless sensor networks. Wireless communication between sensors, controllers, and other devices like wireless fire alarm systems is made possible by ZigBee. This makes it possible to monitor and control industrial processes in real time.
- ZigBee is utilized in the medical field to link medical equipment and remotely monitor patients. ZigBee enables wireless communication between medical equipment and the Internet, enabling real-time communication between medical professionals and remote patient monitoring.
In summary
IoT devices frequently use the wireless communication technology known as Zigbee. Devices can connect wirelessly thanks to this dependable, low-power, and inexpensive technology. Through the use of a mesh network topology, ZigBee enables direct or indirect communication between devices. With a single network supporting up to 65,000 devices, ZigBee has a range of up to 100 meters.
In IoT solutions like smart homes, industrial automation, and healthcare, ZigBee is widely used. ZigBee facilitates wireless communication between devices, allowing remote patient monitoring, real-time communication between healthcare facilities, and real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes.
Widely used in Internet of Things devices, ZigBee is a low-power, low-cost, and reliable technology when compared to other wireless communication protocols. ZigBee is unquestionably something you should take into consideration if you want to give your IoT devices a dependable communication system. ZigBee can guarantee that your Internet of Things devices remain connected and operating correctly thanks to its redundancy features and secure mesh network.