ZigBee is a new wireless standard built on the recently ratified IEEE 802.15.4 standard. It defines the hardware and software, described in networking terms as the physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers. The ZigBee Alliance has also added network (NWK) and application (APL) layer specifications to complete the ‘ZigBee stack’.
ZigBee differs from other wireless standards as it serves a diverse market of applications that require low cost, low power and wireless connectivity with more sophistication than has been previously available at the target price. It focuses on low data rate and low duty cycle connectivity - a market segment not serviced well by existing standards. ZigBee devices typically operate at 0 to 1% duty cycles, allowing the Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) scheme to produce robust results.
ZigBee or 802.15.4 devices listen for a clear channel before they transmit. The CSMA algorithm is part of the 802.15.4 software, so the user doesn’t need to create a collision avoidance scheme.
How does ZigBee compare with other standards?
ZigBee |
Bluetooth |
Wi-Fi |
802.15.4 | 802.15.1 | 802.11 |
250kbps | 1Mbps | 54 Mbps | TX 35 mA Standby 3uA | TX 40 mA Standby 200uA | TZ 400+mA Standby 20mA |
32-60kb memory | 100+kb memory | 100+kb memory |
ZigBee offers three bands, with 27 channels specified:
Message acknowledgment is also available for improved data reliability and beacon structures are available to improve latency. ZigBee includes multi-level security and works well for selectable latency for controllers, sensors, remote monitoring and portable electronics. It is configured for maximum battery life.
Device types include a Network Coordinator; a Full Function Device (FFD); and Reduced Function Devices (RFDs - most likely in mobiles). The new standard aims to support all target environments and applications that are within the scope of ZigBee.
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