1. Overview and History of Zigbee:
– Zigbee is a low-power wireless mesh network standard operating in various radio bands.
– Zigbee builds on IEEE standard 802.15.4 and supports different network topologies.
– Zigbee networks were conceived in the 1990s, with the first specifications ratified in the mid-2000s.
– Zigbee Pro, introduced in 2007, expanded the capabilities to operate in 2.4GHz and sub-GHz bands.
2. Zigbee Technical Details:
– Zigbee devices include Coordinators, Routers, and End Devices with specific roles.
– The network layer establishes networks and manages routing using the AODV protocol.
– The application layer serves as the interface to end-users and manages device and application objects.
– Key components include Zigbee Device Object (ZDO), Application Support Sublayer (APS), and Zigbee Cluster Library (ZCL).
3. Zigbee Communication and Security:
– Zigbee focuses on distributing work among devices using application objects and services.
– Communication involves addressing with IEEE 802.15.4-conformant radio transceivers and endpoint identifiers.
– Security features in Zigbee include a basic security model ensuring confidentiality and a robust security architecture based on CCM* and 128-bit keys.
– Zigbee 3.0 protocol enhances security by randomizing network keys and allowing custom installation keys.
4. Zigbee Applications and Use Cases:
– Zigbee is ideal for embedded applications with low power needs, home automation, industrial control, and sensing.
– It ensures devices have at least a two-year battery life and is widely used in wireless sensor networks and building automation.
– Zigbee radios use direct-sequence spread spectrum coding and operate in unlicensed ISM bands.
– Zigbee suits scenarios where high-mobility is not a requirement.
5. Zigbee Related Topics and References:
– Zigbee Home Automation 1.2 Encryption Vulnerabilities have been addressed in the Zigbee 3.0 standard.
– Network simulation tools like ns-2, OMNeT++, and OPNET simulate IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee networks for testing and validation.
– Related topics include comparisons of wireless data standards, Zigbee vs. Z-Wave technologies, and standards like Matter for smart-home connectivity.
– References include Zigbee Specification FAQ, Zigbee Wireless Networking resources, and Zigbee Cluster Library User Guide.
Zigbee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and other low-power low-bandwidth needs, designed for small scale projects which need wireless connection. Hence, Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate, and close proximity (i.e., personal area) wireless ad hoc network.
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| International standard | IEEE 802.15.4 |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Connectivity Standards Alliance |
| Introduced | June 13, 2005 |
| Industry | Industrial, scientific, medical, and IoT |
| Physical range | 10 to 100 meters (30' to 300') |
| Website | csa-iot |
The technology defined by the Zigbee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other wireless personal area networks (WPANs), such as Bluetooth or more general wireless networking such as Wi-Fi (or Li-Fi). Applications include wireless light switches, home energy monitors, traffic management systems, and other consumer and industrial equipment that requires short-range low-rate wireless data transfer.
Its low power consumption limits transmission distances to 10–100 meters (30' to 300') line-of-sight, depending on power output and environmental characteristics. Zigbee devices can transmit data over long distances by passing data through a mesh network of intermediate devices to reach more distant ones. Zigbee is typically used in low data rate applications that require long battery life and secure networking. (Zigbee networks are secured by 128-bit symmetric encryption keys.) Zigbee has a defined rate of up to 250 kbit/s, best suited for intermittent data transmissions from a sensor or input device.
Zigbee was conceived in 1998, standardized in 2003, and revised in 2006. The name refers to the waggle dance of honey bees after their return to the beehive.
