Wireless technology is a rapidly developing one and many milestones of it just enhance the standard and comfort of living. Zigbee is one such technology trend that is cost-saving as well as energy-efficient. Let us know in detail.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is a technology standard that supports low-cost, low-power, and low-data wireless networks applications. It has a mesh network structure to avoid hub devices in communications between various devices in wireless networks. Thereby, it performs collision avoidance.
Zigbee is basically a wireless technology standard based on ratification gained from IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). It operates on IEEE 802.15.4 radio specification. It has a physical coverage of 10-20 meters.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an assemblage of interconnected devices that can exchange data over internet without human involvement. Zigbee is majorly used to address the various needs of IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) networks.
Applications of Zigbee
Home Automation- Zigbee protocol is used to monitor and automate various technical gadgets and appliances in smart homes. It is also widely used in satellite receivers and set-top boxes in home networks.
Lighting and energy management- Zigbee finds so many applications in smart lighting and energy metering of residential as well as commercial sectors. Thereby, ensures energy and cost savings.
Shopping Assistance- Zigbee standard based products ensure in-shop assistance and faster checkouts in shopping malls for the consumers. Also, it ensures various stocks monitoring and evaluation to the vendors to enhance the business aspects.
Drawbacks
Zigbee is basically designed for low-data rate applications. One major drawback is its inability to perform higher data rate specifications. Another drawback is it's high-priced licensing. The limit in its physical range prevents its applications in outdoor wireless communications.
Recent specifications of Zigbee aim to provide the foundation of IoT systems to ensure the reliability of operation. Moreover, they also aim to provide energy-harvesting modules.
