An IoT protocol is what?

A method of communication known as an Internet of Things protocol provides the highest level of security for the data being transmitted between linked IoT-enabled devices.

What is Zigbee?

A wireless protocol is called ZigBee. It is a collection of high-level communication protocols used to create Personal Area Networks and is based on the IEEE 802.15.4-standard (PANs). It often uses tiny, low-power digital radios.

Applications for the Zigbee protocol include IoT systems for home automation and other low-power, low-bandwidth requirements. It is intended for modest-sized projects that require wireless connectivity. Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate, and close-proximity (i.e., personal area) wireless ad hoc network as a result.

Zigbee protocol benefits for IoT solutions

IoT based wireless sensor networks are able to automate a variety of industries where monitoring is necessary and response is necessary if a certain parameter exceeds a threshold.

Outstanding Connectivity

Because it enables smooth connections between various Zigbee-enabled devices, Zigbee is the protocol of choice for IoT. A single-point signal failure is no longer a possibility when more Zigbee devices are coupled together, multiplying the communication pathways between them.

Numerous gadgets have been discovered to be compatible with Zigbee. By standardising the network and application layers, it ensures that devices made by many suppliers may coexist peacefully.

Additionally, Zigbee operates at 2.4 GHz, a frequency that may be used without a licence everywhere in the globe. This implies that service providers can offer the same item for sale everywhere in the world.

Additionally, Zigbee enables 16 distinct channels with a data transfer rate of 250 kbit/s each. By doing this, systems using Zigbee certified components are guaranteed to be dependable and interference-free.

Trustworthy Mesh Network

As a mesh network, Zigbee’s radio nodes are arranged in a mesh topology for its communication network. Rich interconnection exists inside the mesh network. Each mesh network-connected device serves as a node, connecting to the signal and transmitting it to the following device.

Zigbee can possibly support over 65,000 devices in a network while preserving signal strength and data transmission and reception capabilities.

The mesh network is the most suitable option for IoT solutions since it is a cheap, low-power, dependable, and decentralised network. It is also self-extending, so you may expand the mesh system’s range by adding another node.

Robust Network Security

The Zigbee protocol is quite safe since it makes use of a number of security measures, including frame counters, network and device keys, and AES-128 encryption.

Zigbee drawbacks:

Its primary drawback is its limited range.

Additionally, it is simple and moves at a slow pace.

The high maintenance costs, insufficient comprehensive solution, and sluggish materialisation

Low transmission and unstable networks are some other drawbacks that put it below rivals in terms of performance.

The expense of switching to Zigbee-compatible equipment might be high.

Protocol Stack for Zigbee

Network layer

The network layer creates an interface that the application layer, the subsequent top layer, may utilise, enabling the proper usage of the MAC sublayer. As a result, its structure and operations are relatively similar to those of network levels like routing. The Network Layer handles network operations including establishing, connecting, and detaching networks.

A network is added, addresses are assigned, and certain devices are added or removed. Star, mesh, and tree topologies are used at the network layer. Additionally, it offers the application layer an interface.

Application layer

It serves as the ZigBee system’s interface with its end users and is the highest-level layer established in terms of specifications and standards. It contains the bulk of the new features provided by the ZigBee standard, including ZDO and associated administration processes as well as application objects specified by the vendor.

This layer makes it possible to deliver messages across bound devices, manage group addresses, reassemble packets, and transfer data. It serves Zigbee devices as a result.

Security layer

C will launch using a 128 bit AES encryption key if security is enabled. On PAN, devices with the same security key can communicate. How can I get this key?

1. Pre-installation 2. During joining, the key is received over the air.

Layer MAC

By using carrier sense multiple access collision avoidance to connect to several networks, this layer guarantees dependable data transfer (CSMA). In order to synchronise communication, this additionally broadcasts the conspicuous location as a warning frame.

The following four primary categories of MAC frames are used by zigbee devices to connect to the Personal Area Network (PAN) and exchange system data.

1. Beacon

2. Data

3. Acknowledgement

4. MAC command

Zigbee protocol applications and use cases in IoT solutions

1. Gathering medical data

The Zigbee protocol technology is used for in-home patient monitoring, where it is essential to gather medical data. In this system, the patient wears a Zigbee device that gathers data on things like blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse rate.

2. Industrial automation that is smart:

In the industrial and production sectors, zigbee capabilities are very useful. Here, a communication link continuously keeps an eye on important machinery and numerous factors. This communication cost is significantly reduced using Zigbee, and the control procedure is optimised for increased dependability.

3. Smarter Smoke Alarms

This smart smoke detector detects burning smoke, emits acousto-optic alarm signals to warn nearby individuals, and sends remote alarm alerts to the user app. As a result, this smoke alarm uses cutting-edge sensors, technology, and handiwork, and it has a fashionable appearance, excellent stability, and extremely low power consumption.

4. Intelligent home automation

With their intelligent virtual assistants like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and others, major tech companies are now placing large bets on home automation services. Zigbee wireless technology is ideal for remotely managing household appliances as part of security systems, lighting controls, appliance controls, safety controls, and other applications.

5. Intelligent Metering System:

Utility metres for electricity, gas, and water must be frequently checked in order to generate utility bills. To achieve this, one method is to hand read the metres at homeowners’ properties and record the values into a database.

In residential complexes, a ZigBee-based automated metre reading (AMR) system may build self-forming wireless mesh networks that connect metres with utilities’ corporate offices.

On the other hand, AMR makes it possible to remotely monitor a home’s use of electricity, gas, and water and does away with the requirement for a person to physically visit each residential unit once a month.

Conclusion

IoT solutions across a broad spectrum are increasingly adopting the Zigbee protocol.