What is ZigBee

ZigBee is a wireless technology developed as an open global standard to address the unique needs of low-cost, low-power, wireless sensor networks. The standard takes full advantage of the IEEE 802.15.4 physical radio specification and operates in unlicensed bands worldwide at the following frequencies: 2.400–2.484 GHz, 902-928 MHz and 868.0–868.6 MHz.

The 802.15.4 specification was developed at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The specification is a packet-based radio protocol that meets the needs of low-cost, battery-operated devices. The protocol allows devices to intercommunicate and be powered by batteries that last years instead of hours.

The ZigBee protocol carries all the benefits of the 802.15.4 protocol with added networking functionality.

The ZigBee Protocol

The ZigBee protocol was engineered by the ZigBee Alliance, a non-profit consortium of leading semiconductor manufacturers, technology providers, OEMs and end-users worldwide. The protocol was designed to provide OEMs and integrators with an easy-to-use wireless data solution characterized by low-power consumption, support for multiple network structures and secure connections.

The ZigBee Advantage

The ZigBee protocol was designed to carry data through the hostile RF environments that routinely exist in commercial and industrial applications.

ZigBee protocol features:

  • Low duty cycle - Provides long battery life
  • Low latency
  • Support for multiple network topologies: Static, dynamic, star and mesh
  • Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
  • Up to 65,000 nodes on a network
  • 128-bit AES encryption – Provides secure connections between devices
  • Collision avoidance
  • Link quality indication
  • Clear channel assessment
  • Retries and acknowledgements
  • Support for guaranteed time slots and packet freshness

Secure Connections

The ZigBee specification provides a security toolbox approach to ensuring reliable and secure networks. Access control lists, packet freshness timers and 128-bit encryption based on the NIST Certified Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) help protect transmitted data.