THE ROLE OF ZIGBEE TECHNOLOGY IN FUTURE

DATA COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

Abstract: ZigBee is an IEEE 802.15.4 standard for data communications with business and consumer devices. It
is designed around low-power consumption allowing batteries to essentially last forever. It employs a suite of
technologies to enable scalable, self-organizing, self-healing networks that can manage various data traffic
patterns. ZigBee is a low-cost, low-power, wireless mesh networking standard. The low cost allows the
technology to be widely deployed in wireless control and monitoring applications, the low power-usage allows
longer life with smaller batteries, and the mesh networking provides high reliability and larger range. ZigBee
has been developed to meet the growing demand for capable wireless networking between numerous low-power
devices. The technology defined by the ZigBee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than
other WPANs, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi.

I. INTRODUCTION

Zigbee is a new wireless technology guided by the IEEE 802.15.4 Personal Area Networks
standard(WPAN). It is primarily designed for the wide ranging automation applications and to replace the
existing non-standard technologies. It currently operates in the 868MHz band at a data rate of 20Kbps in
Europe, 914MHz band at 40Kbps in the USA, and the 2.4GHz ISM bands Worldwide at a maximum data-
rate of 250Kbps. Some of its primary features are:
 Standards-based wireless technology
 Interoperability and worldwide usability
 Low data-rates
 Ultra low power consumption
 Very small protocol stack
 Support for small to excessively large networks
 Simple design
 Security
 Reliability
The term “ZigBee” originates from the zigzag waggle dance honeybees use to share critical
information, such as the location, distance, and direction of a newly discovered food source, with fellow
hive members.
The wireless market has been traditionally dominated by high end technologies, but so far
Wireless Personal Area Networking(WPAN) products have not been able to make a significant impact on
the market. While some technologies like the Bluetooth have been quite a success story, in the areas like
computer peripherals, mobile devices, etc, they could not be expanded to the automation arena.
The ZigBee Alliance, the standards body which defines ZigBee, also publishes application profiles
that allow multiple OEM vendors to create interoperable products. The current list of application profiles
either published or in the works are:
• Home Automation
• ZigBee Smart Energy
• Telecommunication Applications
• Personal Home
The specified maximum range of operation for ZigBee devices is 250 feet (76m),
substantially further than that used by Bluetooth capable devices, although security concerns raised over
"sniping" Bluetooth devices remotely, may prove to hold true for ZigBee devices as well. Due to its low
power output, ZigBee devices can sustain themselves on a small battery for many months, or even years,
making them ideal for install-and-forget purposes, such as most small household systems. Predictions of
ZigBee installation for the future, most based on the explosive use of ZigBee in automated household tasks
in China, look to a near future when upwards of sixty ZigBee devices may be found in an average
American home, all communicating with one another freely and regulating common tasks seamlessly.
 The ZigBee Alliance has been set up as “an association of companies working together to enable
reliable, cost-effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an
open global standard”. Once a manufacturer enrolls in this Alliance for a fee, he can have access to the
standard and implement it in his products in the form of ZigBee chipsets that would be built into the end
devices. Philips, Motorola, Intel, HP are all members of the Alliance. The goal is “to provide the consumer
with ultimate flexibility, mobility, and ease of use by building wireless intelligence and capabilities into
every day devices. ZigBee technology will be embedded in a wide range of products and applications
across consumer, commercial, industrial and government markets worldwide. For the first time, companies
will have a standards-based wireless platform optimized for the unique needs of remote monitoring and
control applications, including simplicity, reliability, low-cost and low-power”. The target networks
encompass a wide range of devices with low data rates in the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio
bands, with building-automation controls like intruder/fire alarms, thermostats and remote (wireless)
switches, video/audio remote controls likely to be the most popular applications. So far sensor and control
devices have been marketed as proprietary items for want of a standard. With acceptance and
implementation of ZigBee, interoperability will be enabled in multi-purpose, self-organizing mesh
networks .

II. ZIGBEE GENERAL CHARACTER

 Dual PHY (2.4GHz and 868/915 MHz)

 Data rates of 250 kbps (@2.4 GHz), 40 kbps (@ 915 MHz), and 20 kbps (@868 MHz)
 Optimized for low duty-cycle applications (<0.1%)
 CSMA-CA channel access Yields high throughput and low latency for low duty cycle devices like
sensors and controls
 Low power (battery life multi-month to years)
 Multiple topologies: star, peer-to-peer, mesh.
 Addressing space of up to:
- 18,450,000,000,000,000,000 devices (64 bit IEEE address)
- 65,535 networks
 Optional guaranteed time slot for applications requiring low latency
 Fully hand-shaked protocol for transfer reliability
 Range: 50m typical (5-500m based on environment)

III. ZIGBEE SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter ZigBit
Frequency band 2.400 — 2.483 GHz
Number of channels 16
Data rate 250 kbps
Max output power 3 dBm
2nd harmonic -28 dBm
3rd harmonic -26 dBm
Sensitivity (PER 1%) -101 dBm
Adjacent Channel Rejection 27 dB
Alternate Channel Rejection 53 dB
Supply voltage 1.8 — 3.6 V
Current consumption, RX 19 mA
Current consumption, TX 18 mA
Current consumption (Sleep mode) 6 µA
Flash memory 128 kB
RAM 8 kB
EEPROM 4 kB
Operating Temperature -40 — +85 °C
 IV. TRAFFIC TYPES

ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 addresses three typical traffic types. IEEE 802.15.4 MAC can accommodate all the
types.
1. Data is periodic. The application dictates the rate, and the sensor activates, checks for data and
deactivates.
2. Data is intermittent. The application, or other stimulus, determines the rate, as in the case of say smoke
detectors. The device needs to connect to the network only when communication is necessitated. This type
enables optimum saving on energy.
3. Data is repetitive, and the rate is fixed a priori. Depending on allotted time slots, called GTS (guaranteed
time slot), devices operate for fixed durations.
ZigBee employs either of two modes, beacon or non-beacon to enable the to-and-fro data traffic.
Beacon mode is used when the coordinator runs on batteries and thus offers maximum power savings,
whereas the non-beacon mode finds favour when the coordinator is mains-powered.
In the beacon mode, a device watches out for the coordinator's beacon that gets transmitted at
periodically, locks on and looks for messages addressed to it. If message transmission is complete, the
coordinator dictates a schedule for the next beacon so that the device ‘goes to sleep'; in fact, the coordinator
itself switches to sleep mode. While using the beacon mode, all the devices in a mesh network know when
to communicate with each other. In this mode, necessarily, the timing circuits have to be quite accurate, or
wake up sooner to be sure not to miss the beacon. This in turn means an increase in power consumption by
the coordinator's receiver, entailing an optimal increase in costs.

Figure 2: Non-Beacon Network Communication

Figure 1: Beacon Network Communication

 The non-beacon mode will be included in a system where devices are ‘asleep' nearly always, as in
smoke detectors and burglar alarms. The devices wake up and confirm their continued presence in the
network at random intervals. On detection of activity, the sensors ‘spring to attention', as it were, and
transmit to the ever-waiting coordinator's receiver (since it is mains-powered). However, there is the
remotest of chances that a sensor finds the channel busy, in which case the receiver unfortunately would
‘miss call'.

V. ARCHITECRURE

Though WPAN implies a reach of only a few meters, 30 feet in the case of ZigBee, the network
will have several layers, so designed as to enable intrapersonal communication within the network,
connection to a network of higher level and ultimately an uplink to the Web.
The ZigBee Standard has evolved standardized sets of solutions, called ‘layers'. These layers
facilitate the features that make ZigBee very attractive: low cost, easy implementation, reliable data
transfer, short-range operations, very low power consumption and adequate security features.

Figure 3 . Zigbee architecture

 The lower layers (including PHY/MAC, Network and Security layers) make up the ZigBee stack.
On top of this there is an Application layer which will be specific to the particular "Profile" being
implemented. The Profile contains the protocol that is specific to the application ZigBee is being used to
implement. The layers are arranged as shown in fig(1)

A.Network and Application Support layer(APS) :

The network layer permits growth of network sans high power transmitters. This layer can handle
huge numbers of nodes. This level in the ZigBee architecture includes the ZigBee Device Object (ZDO),
user-defined application profile(s) and the Application Support (APS) sub-layer.
The APS sub-layer's responsibilities include maintenance of tables that enable matching between
two devices and communication among them, and also discovery, the aspect that identifies other devices
that operate in the operating space of any device.
The responsibility of determining the nature of the device (Coordinator / FFD or RFD) in the network,
commencing and replying to binding requests and ensuring a secure relationship between devices rests with
the ZDO (Zigbee Define Object). The user-defined application refers to the end device that conforms to the
ZigBee Standard.

B.Physical (PHY) layer :

The IEEE802.15.4 PHY physical layer accommodates high levels of integration by using direct
sequence to permit simplicity in the analog circuitry and enable cheaper implementations. IEEE 802.15.4
presents two PHY layers that use 868/915 MHZ and 204 GHZ frequency ranges. The features of the PHY
layer activation and deactivation of the radio transceiver, ED, LQI, channel selection, clear channel
assessment (CCA), and transmitting as well as receiving packets across the physical medium

C. Media access control (MAC) layer :

The IEEE802.15.4 MAC media access control layer permits use of several topologies without
introducing complexity and is meant to work with large numbers of devices. The IEEE 802.15.4 MAC sub
layer controls access to the radio channel by using a Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision
Avoidance (CSMA-CA) Mechanism. This sub layer is responsible for transmitting beacon frames,
synchronization and providing a reliable transmission mechanism. The MAC layer is responsible for
beacon management, channel access, GTS management, frame validation, acknowledged frame delivery,
association, and disassociation.

D,Network layer:
The responsibility of the network layer, as defined in OSI model, is to provide an end-to-end path
across a network. The zigbee NWK layer manages the information of network, namely the addition and
removal of nodes, and the discovery and maintenance of routes between. Information of neighbor devices is
stored at this level. The network layer of a zigbee coordinator is responsible for issuing address information
to the devices within its network

E.Application layer:
The application layer defines the functionality of the node, the layer is subdivided into the zigbee
device object, which defines the type of zigbee device and the application object which defines the
application functionality of the node (e.g. as a switch or a sensor). The application sub layer is responsible
for maintaining the binding tables, for example matching a light switch to a light bulb.

F.Security layer:
The zigbee technology incorporates security functionality, which is managed by the security layer.
Different levels of securiy are available. The security functionality makas use of keys (one or two) at
different layers, as well as challenge-authentication procedures. The key can be pre-configured within
devices to increase security.

VI. CHANNEL ACCESS, ADDRESSING

 Two channel-access mechanisms are implemented in 802.15.4. For a non"beacon network, a
standard ALOHA CSMA-CA (carrier-sense medium-access with collision avoidance) communicates with
positive acknowledgement for successfully received packets. In a beacon-enabled network, a superframe
structure is used to control channel access. The superframe is set up by the network coordinator to transmit
beacons at predetermined intervals (multiples of 15.38ms, up to 252s) and provides 16 equal-width time
slots between beacons for contention-free channel access in each time slot.
The structure guarantees dedicated bandwidth and low latency. Channel access in each time slot is
contention-based. However, the network coordinator can dedicate up to seven guaranteed time slots per
beacon interval for quality of service. Device addresses employ 64-bit IEEE and optional 16-bit short
addressing. The address field within the MAC can contain both source and destination address information
(needed for peer-to-peer operation). This dual address information is used in mesh networks to prevent a
single point of failure within the network.

VII. DEVICE TYPE

There are three different ZigBee device types. These devices have 64-bit IEEE addresses, with
option to enable shorter addresses to reduce packet size, and work in either of two addressing modes – star
and peer-to-peer.

A. The ZigBee coordinator node :

There is one, and only one, ZigBee coordinator in each network to act as the router to other
networks, and can be likened to the root of a (network) tree. It is designed to store information about the
network.

B. The full function device FFD :

The FFD is an intermediary router transmitting data from other devices. It needs lesser memory
than the ZigBee coordinator node, and entails lesser manufacturing costs. It can operate in all topologies
and can act as a coordinator.

C. The reduced function device RFD :

This device is just capable of talking in the network; it cannot relay data from other devices.
Requiring even less memory, (no flash, very little ROM and RAM), an RFD will thus be cheaper than an
FFD. This device talks only to a network coordinator and can be implemented very simply in star topology.

VIII. COMPARISION BETWEEN ZIGBEE, BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth products (without power amplifier). While Bluetooth focuses on connectivity between
large packet user devices, such as laptops, phones, and major peripherals, ZigBee is designed to provide
highly efficient connectivity between small packet devices. As a result of its simplified operations, which
are one to two full orders of magnitude less complex than a comparable Bluetooth device, pricing for
ZigBee devices is extremely competitive, with full nodes available for a fraction of the cost of a Bluetooth
node.

The following table shows the brief comparison between zigbee, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
 IX. .ZIGBEE APPLICATIONS

ZigBee enables broad-based deployment of wireless networks with low-cost, low-power solutions. It
provides the ability to run for years on inexpensive batteries for a host of monitoring applications: Lighting
controls, AMR (Automatic Meter Reading), smoke and CO detectors, wireless telemetry, HVAC control,
heating control, home security, Environmental controls, drapery and shade controls, etc.

 Wireless home security

 Remote thermostats for air conditioner
 Remote lighting, drape controller
 Call button for elderly and disabled
 Universal remote controller to TV and radio
 Wireless keyboard, mouse and game pads
 Wireless smoke, CO detectors
 Industrial and building automation and control (lighting, etc.)

A..Environment Management

With the effect that global warming can have on our weather, ecosystems, health and agriculture,
ignoring environmental issues is no longer an option.
With the drive to reduce global carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2050, the world needs
technical solutions to the challenges of renewable energy and intelligent energy management.
Jennic's state of the art low power wireless connectivity solution provides a cost effective wireless
platform for a huge range of applications including Smart Metering, Home Control, Intelligent Lighting,
Building Control and Crop Monitoring.

B.Active RFID
Whether trying to locate medical equipment in a hospital, locate goods at a shipping port, or condition
monitoring of perishable goods in transit, the ability to actively track and monitor products and assets is
increasingly important to businesses.
In a hospital, maximizing the use of expensive medical equipment is essential to control costs, but
equipment can only be shared if it can be tracked down easily.
In the logistics industry, delivery in the shortest time and at lowest cost depends on the ability to quickly
track and locate goods, monitor environmental conditions and ensure security.

C.Consumer

Technological change in consumer electronics never slows, and infrared – the remote control
standard for over two decades - no longer meets consumer demands for greater functionality and the ability
to hide appliances from view.
Low power wireless standards such as IEEE802.15.4 and RF4CE meet these needs and look set to
redefine the way we control home appliances.
Also wireless connectivity introduces new realms of play to toys and gaming that were previously
unrealisable. In the home, wireless enables energy saving and greater security by integrated control of
lighting, security and heating systems.

D.Home automation
  Meet and Greet
Get within a feet of your home, and a zigbee-enabled key fob wirelessly unlocks the door. The door
lock sends a signal to the lighting, air conditioning and entertainment systems. The lights and temperature
are automatically set to your pre-programmed liking. Your oven can even start cooking your dinner.

 Sensible Sensor
Wall sensors [4] monitor structural stability, and moisture sensors keep tabs on basement flooding.
They feed alerts to your TV [5] or e-mail them to you if you’re at the office.

 Climate Control
You can adjust the thermostat[6] to customize the temperature in multiple rooms. Adjust the
thermostat manually or automatically based on readings from wireless sensors placed around the
house. Send a text message to turn on the A/C when you’re on your way home.

 Safer Space
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors [7] instantly report problems to a central monitoring station in
your home or to an off-side security service. If the smoke alarm goes off at night, the central hub will
trigger selected lights to illuminate the safest exit route.

 No-Hassle Light
Because Zigbee devices are wireless, controlling a networked light [8] is as easy as sticking a switch to
the wall. No massing around with wiring, which typically costs $20 a foot. Zigbee chips that transmit
information “sleep” when not in use, so a light switch that contains an over-head future could work for
decoders.

 Smart Sprinkler
The Zigbee enables sprinkler [9], on other hand, will respond to soil sensors that monitor moisture and
turn on only when necessary.

X. CONLUSION

It is likely that ZigBee will increasingly play an important role in the future of computer and
communication technology. In terms of protocol stack size, ZigBee's 32 KB is about one-third of the stack
size necessary in other wireless technologies (for limited capability end devices, the stack size is as low as
4 KB). The IEEE 802.15.4–based ZigBee is designed for remote controls and sensors, which are very many
in number, but need only small data packets and, mainly, extremely low power consumption for (long) life.
Therefore they are naturally different in their approach to their respective application arenas. The ZigBee
Alliance targets applications "across consumer, commercial, industrial and government markets
worldwide". Unwired applications are highly sought after in many networks that are characterized by
numerous nodes consuming minimum power and enjoying long battery lives. ZigBee technology is
designed to best suit these applications, for the reason that it enables reduced costs of development and
very fast market adoption.