2. C O N T E N T S
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o Introduction
o Types of zigbee devices
o Zigbee Network Topologies
o Characteristics
o Architecture
o Features
3. C O N T E N T S
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o Advantages
o Disadvantages
o Applications
4. 4
INTRODUCTION
• ZigBee is an open, global, packet-based protocol designed to
provide an easy-to-use architecture for secure, reliable, low power
wireless networks.
• It's primarily used in applications involving home automation,
industrial automation, and sensor networks.
• Zigbee operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, which defines the
physical and MAC (Media Access Control) layers of the protocol.
5. TYPES OF ZIGBEE DEVICES
1. Zigbee Coordinator Device: It communicates with
routers. This device is used for connecting the
devices.
• There can be any Zigbee routers in a network but
only one Coordinator.
2. Zigbee Router: A Zigbee router isn't the same as a
Wi-Fi router. It can send information to the
Coordinator and route data from Zigbee end
devices to the Coordinator.
3. Zigbee End Device: It is the device that is going to
be controlled.
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6. 6
ZIGBEE NETWORK
TOPOLOGIES
o Star Topology (ZigBee Smart Energy): Consists of a coordinator
and several end devices, end devices communicate only with the
coordinator.
o Mesh Topology (Self Healing Process): Mesh topology consists of
one coordinator, several routers, and end devices.
o Tree Topology: In this topology, the network consists of a central
node which is a coordinator, several routers, and end devices. the
function of the router is to extend the network coverage.
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CHARACTERI STI CS
o Low Power Consumption
o Low Data Rate (20- 250 kbps)
o Short-Range (75-100 meters)
o Network Join Time (~ 30 msec)
o 3 frequency bands with 27 channels
o Low Cost of Products and Cheap Implementation (Open Source
Protocol)
8. ARCHITECTURE
o Zigbee architecture is a combination of 6 layers.
1. Application Layer
2. Application Interface Layer
3. Security Layer
4. Network Layer
5. Medium Access Control Layer
6. Physical Layer
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9. ARCHITECTURE
1. Application Layer: The Application Layer is the topmost layer in the Zigbee protocol stack. It's responsible
for providing end-user functionality and defining the behavior of devices within the network. This layer
interacts directly with the user's applications. It focuses on tasks like device control, data sensing, and user
interaction.
2. Application Interface Layer: The Application Interface Layer acts as a bridge between high-level application
requests and the lower layers of the protocol stack. It translates application-specific commands into
Zigbee-compatible messages that can be understood and processed by other devices in the network. This
layer facilitates smooth communication between user applications and the Zigbee network.
3. Security Layer: The Security Layer plays a critical role in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data
transmitted within the Zigbee network. It handles encryption, authentication, and key management to
safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access. This layer establishes a secure environment for
communication, protecting against potential threats and vulnerabilities.
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10. ARCHITECTURE
4. Network Layer: The Network Layer is responsible for managing the overall network topology and device
relationships. It facilitates device discovery, network formation, and routing of messages between devices. By
maintaining a dynamic network map and enabling efficient routing paths, this layer contributes to the
robustness and scalability of Zigbee networks.
5. Medium Access Control (MAC) Layer: The MAC Layer manages access to the shared wireless medium. It
coordinates the timing of data transmissions and receptions, preventing collisions and ensuring efficient use
of the available bandwidth. The MAC Layer's functions include data framing, channel access mechanisms,
and synchronization with the Physical Layer.
6. Physical Layer: The Physical Layer deals with the transmission and reception of raw data signals over the
wireless medium. It handles tasks such as modulation, signal generation, and frequency management. This
layer determines the physical characteristics of the communication, including transmission range and data
rate.
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11. FEATURES
1. Low Power Consumption: Zigbee devices are designed to be energy-efficient, allowing them to operate for
extended periods on battery power.
2. Short Range: Zigbee is designed for short-range communication, typically within a range of 10 to 100
meters. This makes it suitable for applications within a specific area or building.
3. Mesh Networking: Zigbee supports mesh networking, where multiple devices can communicate with each
other through intermediate nodes. This improves coverage and reliability, as messages can hop from one
node to another until they reach their destination.
4. Reliability: The mesh networking topology enhances reliability by providing multiple
communication paths. If one node fails, the network can still function by rerouting messages through
alternate paths.
5. Low Data Rate: Zigbee is not designed for high-bandwidth applications. It's best suited for transmitting
small amounts of data, such as sensor readings, control commands, and status updates.
6. Security: Zigbee incorporates various security measures, including encryption and authentication, to protect
the communication between devices.
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12. ADVANTAGES
1. Zigbee is the best Network for battery-powered devices as it allows them to turn off/ sleep when they aren't
used. When needed, the Network quickly wakes them up, thus saving power.
2. Though battery-powered, Zigbee devices can have a good life span due to the Network's power-saving
capabilities.
3. Zigbee is an open standard. There are a large variety of devices available from different manufacturers.
Hence, Zigbee devices are available at low costs.
4. The Network stays reliable due to its Mesh Topology.
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13. DISADVANTAGES
1. If one Coordinator fails, the whole Network goes down.
2. When the Coordinator is replaced, all the Zigbee devices aren't automatically connected to the new
Coordinator. Every connection has to be manually established again.
3. The open standard of Zigbee brought compatibility issues. Not every Zigbee device is compatible with every
Zigbee network. Even the devices from the same manufacturer as the other devices in a network might need
to be compatible with the Network.
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