ZigBee forms the upper layer for control and sensor applications. It is built above the IEEE 802.15.4. Allowing it to provide security and flexibility due to its design. It has now become an open alliance. In 2002 ZigBee Alliance developed this.
Basic of ZigBee
As it forms the upper layer it offers services like messaging. In security aspects and application of profile layers also this configuration can be implemented. IEEE 802.15.4 mainly focuses on security, control and monitoring where there is need of low levels of data. It also supports star, mesh and cluster tree network topologies.
The star networks are simple networks. In this topology the outer nodes communicate with the centre node. The mesh topology consists of nodes placed according to the requirements. They provide a high degree of reliability. Here different stations combine to form relays to transmit messages. In case of interference at one section, there is another section to use. The combination of mesh and star network is a cluster network.
It’s design allows low power consumption for many purposes. , it increases the battery life and reduces the frequent maintenance cost.
Zigbee protocol features
- They support network topologies such as star, mesh and cluster.
- They also have design which increases the battery life.
- It has Low latency
- They use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
- 128-bit AES encryption for secure data connections
- It reduces collisions.
Applications
Main applications are in the field of Sensors, lighting controls and security There are many more applications but all are candidates for the new technology. We can see its implementation in fields such as smart grid, lighting controls. In areas such as high voltage AC control and in few medical devices we use them.
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