Zigbee technology offers a steady, highly effective networking using modest data transfer rates when the information and communication of the devices are less, in contrast to emerging new technologies that seek for high speed data transfers. This article’s purpose is to inform readers on Zigbee technology, including its architecture, network topologies, uses, and benefits and drawbacks.
What is Zigbee in the IoT
The IEEE standard specification for Wireless Personal Area Networks served as the foundation for this technology (WPANs). For more dependable, low power wireless networks, it is an open standard, packet-based technology. They are made to work at frequencies of 868 MHz, 902 MHz, and 2.4 GHz, requiring a meagre 250 Kbps data transfer rate across 16 channels.
Zigbee has a range of between 10 and 100 meters. Its wireless networking is more dependable, cheaper, easier to design, and provides more secure networking. The possibility of single point signal failures has been successfully eliminated by the invention of the Zigbee protocol. When Zigbee devices are incorporated with systems across the IoT (Internet of things) market using Zigbee getaways, wireless communication is formed.
Section on Applications and Interfaces
The Network Layer and Application Layer are contained in this part, which is outlined in the Zigbee Specifications.
The interface between the application layer and the MAC layer is provided by the network layer. It is in charge of routing and establishing the Star, Mesh, and Tree topologies of networks. The network layer is in charge of initiating a network, allocating node addresses, configuring new devices, and offering protected transmission.
Application Support Sublayer and Application Framework are the sublayers that make up the application layer. The Application Support Sub Layer (APS) filters packets for end devices and looks for duplicate packets, which are frequent in networks with automatic retries. The implementation of end points, data requests, and data confirmation for that specific vendor are represented by the Application Framework.
Network topologies for Zigbee
Star, Tree, and Mesh topologies are supported by this technology.
Skyline Topology
There is a coordinator and a number of nodes or end devices in this type of topology. For communication, the node only interacts with one coordinator. Since there is no other way to get from source to destination, each data packet exchange between the nodes must go through the coordinator and could consequently become bottlenecked.
Topology of trees
A coordinator node serves as the centre node in this sort of topology, along with routers and end devices. The network’s reach is increased by the routers. Its progeny are the end nodes connected to routers or coordinators. The end device is always in communication with its coordinator or router parent.
Mesh Topography
Peer-to-peer networks or multihop networks are other names for mesh topologies. The fact that this topology requires many hops for data packets to reach their destination shows that nodes identify alternative routes in the event that the data path fails.
When the devices are located close to one another, this network uses less power to function. One coordinator, a number of routers, and end devices make up this kind of network. A network’s range expands as more devices are connected to it.
Zigbee technology applications
These are some of the uses for this technology:
1. Gathering of medical information
The collecting of medical data is essential for home patient monitoring, which is where this technology is deployed. In this system, the patient wears a Zigbee device that gathers data on things like blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate.
2. Smart Smoke Detector
The technology in these smoke alarms is sophisticated. This system consists of a smoke detection module, a wireless communication module, a data collection module, and an intelligent identification module that distinguishes between different types of smoke, such as smoke from cooking, smoke from an accident fire, smoke from foggy air, etc., thereby increasing user safety.
3. Household Automation
The employment of this technology in home automation systems has made homes smarter and improved their occupants’ comfort, convenience, and security. Using this technology, smart home alarms, smart air conditioners, smart TVs, and smart refrigerators may all communicate with one another.
4. Inductive Wireless Sensor Networks
An intelligent smart wireless sensor network system aids in data collection and the monitoring of variables such as traffic, weather, and air quality.
Zigbee technology benefits
These are some of this technology’s benefits:
- It is more steady and trustworthy.
- In comparison to Bluetooth, it is simpler.
- Installation is simple and uses less energy.
- Its protocol patent is cost-effective because it is free.
- Home gadget monitoring and control is made simpler at the touch of a button.
Concerns with Zigbee Technology
The following are some of this technology’s drawbacks:
- It has a short-range operating range of 10 to 100 meters line of sight.
- Sluggish transmission speed
- It has some restrictions on memory capacity and data processing speed.
- Less secure than security systems based on Wi-Fi.