What is Zigbee 6LoWPAN

Zigbee 6LoWPAN combines low power wireless networking with IPv6 connectivity, enabling resource constrained devices to communicate directly over Internet Protocol networks. This integration supports scalable IoT deployments, seamless internet connectivity, efficient routing, and interoperability between smart devices, sensors and cloud based applications. The Zigbee 6LoWPAN is a technology that brings IPv6 networking to low power wireless personal area networks (WPANs).

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

6LoWPAN 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.