There are three main types of ZigBee networks: ZigBee Coordinator, ZigBee Router, and ZigBee End Device. The ZigBee Coordinator acts as the network controller and initiates the formation of the ZigBee network. It manages communication between devices and can also function as a bridge to other networks like Wi-Fi or Ethernet. ZigBee Routers extend the network coverage by forwarding data between devices and the coordinator or other routers. ZigBee End Devices are typically sensors or actuators that communicate with routers or the coordinator and have limited functionality to conserve power.
ZigBee 3 specification is the latest standard for ZigBee wireless communication protocol. It unifies various ZigBee profiles and applications into a single, interoperable standard, enhancing compatibility and ease of deployment across different ZigBee devices and networks. ZigBee 3 specification supports features like enhanced security, improved network scalability, and enhanced interoperability among different ZigBee products from various manufacturers.
Different types of ZigBee sensors include environmental sensors (such as temperature, humidity, and air quality sensors), motion sensors, light sensors, and smart meters. These sensors use ZigBee technology to wirelessly transmit data to ZigBee networks for monitoring, control, and automation purposes in applications like smart homes, industrial automation, healthcare, and agriculture.
ZigBee operates on a mesh network topology. In a ZigBee mesh network, devices communicate directly with each other or through intermediary devices (routers) to extend network coverage and improve reliability. This decentralized approach enables ZigBee networks to self-organize, automatically route data around obstacles or failures, and optimize communication paths for efficient data transmission.
ZigBee supports two main modes of operation: beacon-enabled mode and non-beacon-enabled mode. In beacon-enabled mode, devices synchronize with periodic beacon transmissions from the coordinator, allowing them to wake up at specific times to receive and transmit data. This mode conserves power and is suitable for battery-operated devices. Non-beacon-enabled mode does not use periodic beacons and devices operate asynchronously, making it more flexible but potentially less power-efficient for battery-powered devices. These modes cater to different power consumption requirements and operational needs in ZigBee networks.