Terminology » Zigbee » Zigbee Terminology: Key Terms and Definitions

Zigbee Terminology: Key Terms and Definitions

zigbee wireless home automation network terminology

This article explains key terms related to Zigbee technology and its associated products. Let’s dive into the Zigbee world!

Zigbee Basics

What is Zigbee?

Zigbee refers to the low-rate Personal Area Network (PAN) standard, designed for wireless communication. It’s a popular choice for applications requiring low power consumption and moderate data rates.

WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)

Zigbee operates within the realm of WPANs, providing data transfer speeds of approximately 250 Kbps between devices. Think of it as a personal network bubble for your devices.

RF4CE (Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics)

RF4CE is another term you might encounter, standing for Radio Frequency for Consumer Electronics. It’s a related technology often used in remote controls and similar devices.

Zigbee Network Components

Zigbee Coordinator

The Zigbee coordinator is the brain of the network. It acts as both a router and the master controller, managing other routers and end devices within the Zigbee network.

Zigbee Router

Zigbee routers provide connectivity to Zigbee end devices, allowing them to access PAN-based services. They essentially extend the network’s reach.

Zigbee End Device

Zigbee end devices are the final subscribers of the Zigbee network. These are the sensors, actuators, and other devices that actually perform tasks within the network.

Zigbee Technical Aspects

Zigbee PHY (Physical Layer)

The Zigbee PHY handles the crucial tasks of modulation and data conversion. This ensures that Zigbee packets are transmitted and received correctly over the wireless medium, free from distortion.

AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) Protocol

AODV is a routing protocol employed in Zigbee networks. It helps to establish efficient paths for data transmission between devices.

Zigbee Applications and Security

Zigbee HA (Home Automation)

Zigbee shines in home automation applications. It enables the control and monitoring of devices like lamps, fans, electric meters, and sensors within a smart home environment.

Zigbee Security

Zigbee security is paramount, encompassing the security measures implemented to protect the entire Zigbee network from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

XBEE

XBEE is a popular brand name from Digi International, known for producing Zigbee-compliant devices and modules.

Zigbee Sensor

Zigbee sensors are devices that convert signals from one form to another, allowing them to interface seamlessly with a Zigbee network. Think temperature sensors, light sensors, and more.

Zwave

Zwave is another PAN technology that operates in the 900MHz band, offering data rates up to about 40Kbps. It’s a competitor to Zigbee in the home automation space.

Zigbee Terminology Table

Zigbee TermsBasic descriptionReference
What is ZigbeeThe low rate Personal Area Network Standard is referred to as zigbee.
WPANWireless Personal Area Network providing data rate transfer at the speed of about 250Kbps between devices.
RF4CERadio Frequency for Consumer Electronics is known as RF4CE.
ZigBee CoordinatorThe device which acts as router as well as the master of the entire zigbee network is referred to as the zigbee coordinator. It takes care of both routers and end devices.
ZigBee RouterZigbee router provides connectivity to zigbee end devices to use PAN based service.
ZigBee End DeviceThe final subscribers of the zigbee network are referred to as Zigbee End devices.
Zigbee PHYThe layer which takes care of modulation as well as data conversions so that zigbee packets can be sent over the medium without any distortion and will be received by other zigbee compliant devices.
AODV protocolAd hoc On-Demand Distance Vector, protocol used for routing in zigbee network.
zigbee HAIt refers to Home Automation using zigbee compliant devices such as lamps, fans, electric meters, sensors etc.
zigbee securityZigbee security refers to the security of the entire zigbee network.
XBEEIt is the brand name from Digi International used for zigbee compliant devices.
zigbee sensorThe devices which convert signal of one form to the other form such that it can be interfaced with zigbee network is referred to as zigbee sensor.
zwaveThis is another PAN technology operating in the 900MHz band and delivers data rate up to about 40Kbps.