Zigbee 6LoWPAN Overview

This document provides an overview of Zigbee 6LoWPAN, a technology that brings IPv6 networking to low-power wireless personal area networks (WPANs).

Introduction to 6LoWPAN

The term 6LoWPAN refers to a WPAN network that uses IPv6-based protocols. Given that many existing networks are based on IPv4, there’s a need to enable interoperability between legacy IPv4 systems and the newer IPv6 networks.

The diagram below illustrates how IP6 is translated to IPv4 and vice versa using a gateway and tunneling techniques.

6LoWPAN essentially performs two key operations on IPv6: encapsulation and header compression. This allows IPv6 compliant packets to be effectively transmitted and received from IEEE 802.15.4 Zigbee-based networks.

Fig.1

Network Architecture

In a 6LoWPAN network, there are typically two types of nodes:

• End Node: An end node consists of a 6LoWPAN compliant radio, sensors, and a battery for power. It collects data from sensors and sends it to the gateway, effectively creating a mesh network.
• Gateway: The gateway receives information from the end nodes and forwards it to an IPv4/IPv6 server via an Ethernet interface. It also includes a 6LoWPAN compliant radio, an Ethernet interface, and a power source (often a battery).

Frequency Bands

6LoWPAN radios, compatible with Zigbee, operate in the 2.4 GHz, 868 MHz, and 915 MHz frequency bands.