Zigbee Introduction
Zigbee Introduction
Zigbee Introduction
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
ZigBee is the most popular industry wireless mesh networking standard for connecting
sensors, instrumentation and control systems. ZigBee, a specification for communication in a
wireless personal area network (WPAN), has been called the "Internet of things." Theoretically,
your ZigBee-enabled coffee maker can communicate with your ZigBee-enabled toaster. ZigBee
is an open, global, packet-based protocol designed to provide an easy-to-use architecture for
secure, reliable, low power wireless networks. ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 are low data rate
wireless networking standards that can eliminate the costly and damage prone wiring in
industrial control applications. Flow or process control equipment can be place anywhere and
still communicate with the rest of the system. It can also be moved, since the network doesn't
care about the physical location of a sensor, pump or valve. The ZigBee RF4CE standard
enhances the IEEE 802.15.4 standard by providing a simple networking layer and standard
application profiles that can be used to create interoperable multi-vendor consumer electronic
solutions.
When you hold the TV remote and wish to use it you have to necessarily point your
control at the device. This one-way, line-of-sight, short-range communication uses infrared (IR)
sensors to enable communication and control and it is possible to operate the TV remotely only
with its control unit. Add other home theatre modules, an air conditioner and remotely enabled
fans and lights to your room, and you become a juggler who has to handle not only these
remotes, but also more numbers that will accompany other home appliances you are likely to
use. Some remotes do serve to control more than one device after „memorizing' access codes,
but this interoperability is restricted to LOS, that too only for a set of related equipment, like the
different units of a home entertainment system.
Now picture a home with entertainment units, security systems including fire alarm,
smoke detector and burglar alarm, air-conditioners and kitchen appliances all within whispering
distance from each other and imagine a single unit that talks with all the devices, no longer
depending on line-of-sight, and traffic no longer being one-way. This means that the devices and
the control unit would all need a common standard to enable intelligible communication. ZigBee
is such a standard for embedded application software.
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. 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.
keeping track of device roles, managing requests to join a network, as well as device discovery
and security.
Zigbee Pro, also known as Zigbee 2007, was finalized in 2007. A Zigbee Pro device may
join and operate on a legacy Zigbee network and vice versa. Due to differences in routing
options, Zigbee Pro devices must become non-routing Zigbee end devices (ZEDs) on a legacy
Zigbee network, and legacy Zigbee devices must become ZEDs on a Zigbee Pro network. It
operates using the 2.4 GHz ISM band, and adds a sub-GHz band.
CHAPTER 2
HISTORY
HISTORY
ZigBee-style networks began to be conceived about 1998, when many engineers realized that
both WiFi and Bluetooth were going to be unsuitable for many applications. In particular,
many engineers saw a need for self-organizing ad-hoc digital radio networks.
The IEEE 802.15.4 standard was completed in May 2003.
In the summer of 2003, Philips Semiconductors, a major mesh network supporter, ceased its
investment. Philips Lighting has, however, continued Philips' participation, and Philips
remains a promoter member on the ZigBee Alliance Board of Directors.
The ZigBee Alliance announced in October 2004 that its membership had more than doubled
in the preceding year and had grown to more than 100 member companies, in 22 countries.
By April 2005 membership had grown to more than 150 companies.
The ZigBee specifications were ratified on 14 December 2004.
The ZigBee Alliance announces public availability of Specification 1.0 on 13 June 2005.
CHAPTER 3
WHAT IS ZIGBEE
WHAT IS ZIGBEE?
Zigbee is for low-data rate, low-power applications and is an open standard. This,
theoretically, enables the mixing of implementations from different manufacturers, but in
practice, Zigbee products have been extended and customized by vendors and, thus, plagued by
interoperability issues. In contrast to Wi-Fi networks used to connect endpoints to high-speed
networks, Zigbee supports much lower data rates and uses a mesh networking protocol to avoid
hub devices and create a self-healing architecture.
CHAPTER 4
ZIGBEE SPECIFICATIONS
ZIGBEE SPECIFICATIONS
The Zigbee specifications, which are maintained and updated by the Zigbee Alliance,
boost the IEEE 802.15.4 standard by adding network and security layers in addition to an
application framework. The standards created by the alliance can be used to create multivendor
interoperable offerings. Manufacturers that are developing custom applications that don't need to
operate with the applications of other manufacturers can create their own specific variations and
extensions.
Zigbee PRO aims to provide the foundation for IoT with features to support low-cost,
highly reliable networks for device-to-device communication. Zigbee PRO also offers Green
Power, a new feature that supports energy harvesting or self-powered devices that don't require
batteries or AC power supply.
Zigbee RF4CE is designed for simple, two-way device-to-device control applications that
don't need the full-featured mesh networking functionalities offered by the Zigbee specification.
Zigbee IP optimizes the standard for IPv6-based full wireless mesh networks, offering
internet connections to control low-power, low-cost devices.
CHAPTER 5
DEVICE TYPES
DEVICE TYPES
ZigBee coordinator (ZC): The most capable device, the coordinator forms the root of the
network tree and might bridge to other networks. There is exactly one ZigBee
coordinator in each network. It is able to store information about the network, including
acting as the repository for security keys.
ZigBee Router (ZR): Routers can act as an intermediate router, passing data from other
devices.
ZigBee End Device (ZED): Contains just enough functionality to talk to its parent node
(either the coordinator or a router); it cannot relay data from other devices. It requires the
least amount of memory, and therefore can be less expensive to manufacture than a ZR or
ZC.
CHAPTER 6
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Zigbee network topology can be divided into three types. There are star topology, tree
topology and peer-to-peer or mesh topology. Each topology will have different affect on how the
messages are routed and which devices connect to which devices.
The first topology is the star topology. Star topology consist of a coordinator and few end
devices. It is the simplest and most limited one in the Zigbee. Devices are all connect to single
coordinator node and all communication goes via this coordinator. The interesting part about the
star topology is it actually define by the underlying 802.15.4 specification which Zigbee builds
on. The disadvantage of this topology is it may become hindrance and there is no option path
from the source to the end devices.
The second topology is tree topology. It consists of coordinator, few routers and end
devices that act as a central node or root tree. The routers operate as a extension for the network
coverage. The end nodes that connected to the parent (coordinators or routers) are called
children. Only the end devices can communicate with the parent. The detriment of the tree
topology is if one parent is disable, the children of the disable parent cannot communicate with
other devices in the network even they are close to each other.
The third and last topology is peer-to-peer or mesh topology. This topology consists of a
coordinator, a few routers and an end devices. You can expand the network range by adding
more devices into the network. If during the transmission one of the path is fail, the node will
find the alternate path to reach to the destination therefore eliminating dead zones. Using this
mesh topology it is easier for user to add or remove the device because they can communicate
with any destination device in the network.
CHAPTER 7
HOW ZIGBEE WORKS?
ZigBee basically uses digital radios to allow devices to communicate with one another. A
typical ZigBee network consists of several types of devices. A network coordinator is a device
that sets up the network, is aware of all the nodes within its network, and manages both the
information about each node as well as the information that is being transmitted/received within
the network. Every ZigBee network must contain a network coordinator.
Full Function Devices (FFD's) may be found in the network, and these devices support
all of the 802.15.4 functions. They can serve as network coordinators, network routers, or as
devices that interact with the physical world. The final device found in these networks is the
Reduced Function Device (RFD), which usually only serve as devices that interact with the
physical world. Several topologies are supported by ZigBee, including star, mesh, and cluster
tree. Star topology is most useful when several end devices are located close together so that
they can communicate with a single router node. That node can then be a part of a larger mesh
network that ultimately communicates with the network coordinator. Mesh networking allows
for redundancy in node links, so that if one node goes down, devices can find an alternative path
to communicate with one another.
CHAPTER 8
ZIGBEE ARCHITECTURE
ZIGBEE ARCHITECTURE
on
Zigbee architecture is also called Zigbee stack. It consists of two layers as the foundation on
which Zigbee is built. They are:
Foundation Layers
This Layer is defined by IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Both Physical layer and Medium Access
Control (MAC) layers act as foundation layers for Zigbee Architecture.
The physical and electrical characteristics are defined by the Physical Layer. This layer is
responsible for data transmission and reception. Mapping bits of information and permits them to
travel through the air by modulation and spreading techniques which is the basic task of physical
layer.
This layer provides interface between the physical and network layers. It defines how multiple
802.15.4 radios operating in the same area will share the airwaves. Data handling and data
management are the two main functions of the MAC layer.
Data handling includes functions such as “Data Request” and “Data Confirm”. The MAC layer
adds destination address and transmits options for the outgoing data frames.
When the Zigbee network layer calls the “data request” function, the data gets formatted into
relevant MAC header and frame length is added which is the physical header. The data frame is
ready to be transmitted.
The purpose of “Data Confirm” function is to communicate the status of the transmitted data. It
sends a fail status when the transmission frames exceeds or when there is no response to
transmitted data.
This section is defined by Zigbee Specifications and contains following two layers:
Network Layer
Application Layer
Network Layer provides interface between MAC layer and the application layer. It is responsible
for routing and establishing different Zigbee network topologies namely Star, Mesh and Tree
topologies.
When a coordinator attempts to establish a Zigbee network, an energy scan is initiated to find the
best RF channel for its new network. When a channel has been chosen, the coordinator assigns a
PAN-ID which will be applied to all the devices that join the network.
When a node loses its parent, it is considered as an orphan device. It usually occurs when the end
device is mobile and is out of range or through a failure on the parent. In such case, an orphan
scan is performed by broadcasting an “orphan notification” command frame which helps the
device to find its parent.
If the parent gets the notification command, it responds back to the device that it exists and the
orphan can rejoin the parent. Thus the authenticity and confidentiality of a transmission is
ensured by the network layer.
Initiation of a network
Application Framework
This layer is responsible for filtering of packets for end devices, checks for duplicity of packets
which is common in a network that supports automatic retries. To maximize the chance of
successful transmission, it performs automatic retries, when the acknowledgement is requested
by the sender.
It is involved in maintaining binding tables. Binding is the connection between the endpoint on
the node to one or more endpoints on other nodes. The address mapping associates a 64-bit MAC
address with a Zigbee 16-bit network address.
Filtering out packets for non-registered end devices or profiles that don’t match and
reassembling of the packets.
The Application Framework depends on the vendor who has chosen for specific applications to
interact with Zigbee protocol. This represents how end points are implemented, how data
requests and data confirmation is executed for that particular vendor.
CHAPTER 9
USES OF ZIGBEE
USES OF ZIGBEE
1. Low cost:
The typical zigbee radio is cost effective. chipset prices can be as low as $12 each in
quantities as few as 100 pieces while the 802.15.4and the zigbee stacks are typically included in
this cost, crystals and other discrete components are not; design in module fall in the
neighborhood of $25 in similar quantities. This pricing provides an economic justification for
extending wireless networking to even the simplest of devices.
Zigbee routers double as input devices and repeaters to create a form of mesh
networking. If two network points are unable to communicate as intended, transmission is
dynamically routed from the block node to a router with a clear path to the data‟s destination.
The use of low cost routers can also extended the networks effective reach when the distance
between the base station and remote node exceed the device range, an intermediate node or
nodes can relay transmission, eliminating the need for separate repeaters.
3. Multisource products:
As an open standard, zigbee provides costumers with the ability to choose vendors as
needed. Zigbee alliance work in groups defines interoperability profiles to which zigbee certified
devices must ad hire.
Low power consumption, with battery life ranging from months to years. Considering the
number of devices with remotes in use at present, it is easy to see that more numbers of batteries
need to be provisioned every so often, entailing regular (as well as timely), recurring
expenditure. In the ZigBee standard, longer battery life is achievable by either of two means:
continuous network connection and slow but sure battery drain, or intermittent connection and
even slower battery drain. basic zigbee radios operate at 1mw RF power and can sleep when not
involved in transmission(higher RF –power zigbee radios for application needed greater range
also provide the sleep function.) because this makes battery-powered radios more practical then
ever, wireless devices are free to be replaced without power cable runs in addition to eliminating
data cable runs.
CHAPTER 10
ADVANTAGES
ADVANTAGES
The Zigbee technology can support thousands of nodes together. It can support
65000 nodes under a single network. This helps in further expansion of the transmission
range. This is possible in a large area or a building with multiple levels of floors or
houses with various physical divisions.
The Zigbee technology is suitable for devices with low power. Since it does not
require much bandwidth, small smart devices which are battery-operated, object tags,
sensors, etc., are suitable for this technology. It also acts as an alternative for Wi-Fi and
Bluetooth technologies.
3. Range:
Zigbee is a mesh network. Hence, just like mesh networking, Zigbee has a
network whose transmission range can be expanded. It provides better stability compared
to a single router, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The content is expandable because, in this
technology, the individual nodes act as repeaters or wireless routers, and since the
technology supports numerous nodes, it’s easier to expand the network.
4. Flexible:
The structure of the Zigbee technology is very flexible. It has an easy process for
installation, and it is less expensive as well. The working period of this technology is
short, and it also has a long battery life which results in less consumption of power.
5. Monitoring:
The Zigbee technology can be monitored and controlled easily. Since it is mainly
used for home appliances, it is easy to maintain it with the help of a remote. There is no
existence of a central controller. Across the network, loads of this technology are
distributed evenly.
CHAPTER 11
DISADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
1. Channel noise:
The technology used in Zigbee is of low bit rate since it is designed for
transmissions of low rate of data. As a result, its transmission rate is comparatively lower
than Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It is also not suitable for transmitting data at high speed.
4. Expensive:
5. Alternatives:
compared to Zigbee. It also offers better reliability and stability since it uses a frequency
band of 908 MHz
CHAPTER 12
APPLICATIONS
APPLICATIONS
Zigbee Networking and Zigbee Technology has a wide range of application like Home
Automation, Healthcare and Material Tracking. Below are the few Applications of Zigbee
Technology, where Zigbee Devices can increase efficiency and reduce cost.
Home Automation
o Security Systems
o Meter Reading Systems
o Light Control Systems
o HVAC Systems
Consumer Electronics
o Gaming Consoles
o Wireless Mouse
o Wireless Remote Controls
Industrial Automation
o Asset Management
o Personnel Tracking
o Livestock Tracking
Healthcare
Hotel Room Access
Fire Extinguishers
CHAPTER 13
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
standards like Bluetooth and IrDA address high data rate applications such as voice, video and
LAN communications. So with all these features ZigBee in future will surely becomes the talk of
the town.
The ZigBee Standard enables the broad-based deployment of reliable wireless networks
with low complexity, low cost solutions and provides the ability for a product to run for years on
inexpensive primary batteries (for a typical monitoring application). It is also, of course, capable
of inexpensively supporting robust mesh networking technologies ZigBee is all set to provide the
consumers with ultimate flexibility, mobility, and ease of use by building wireless intelligence
and capabilities into every day devices. The mission of the ZigBee Working Group is to bring
about the existence of a broad range of interoperable consumer devices by establishing open
industry specifications for unlicensed, untethered peripheral, control and entertainment devices
requiring the lowest cost and lowest power consumption communications between compliant
devices anywhere in and around the home.
CHAPTER 14
REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Simin Long, Feng Miao, “Research on ZigBee wireless communication technology and
its application”, 2019 IEEE 4th Advanced Information Technology, Electronic and
Automation Control Conference (IAEAC 2019).
Kanchan Kaushal, Taranvir Kaur, Jaspinder Kaur, “ZigBee based Wireless Sensor
Networks”, International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technologies,
Vol. 5 (6) , 2014.
Parneet Dhillon Dr. Harsh Sadawarti “A Review Paper on Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4)
Standard” International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), Vol. 3
Issue 4, April – 2014.
Aamir Shaikh and Siraj Pathan, “Research on Wireless Sensor Network Technology,”
International Journal of Information and Education Technology, Vol. 2, No. 5, October
2012.
Nisha Ashok Somani and Yask Patel, “ZIGBEE: A LOW POWER WIRELESS
TECHNOLOGY FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS,” International Journal of
Control Theory and Computer Modelling (IJCTCM) Vol.2, No.3, May 2012.