ZigBee
ZigBee is a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 for wireless personal area networks (WPANs), such as wireless headphones connecting with cell phones via short-range radio. The technology defined by the ZigBee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other WPANs
Advantages of ZigBee, Z-Wave
- Low power usage
- Easy to implement
- Compact design of the modules
- Short response time
Disadvantages of ZigBee, Z-Wave compared to Bluetooth
- Low bandwidth: max. 300KBit per second
- Lower transmission reliability
- Lower radio network stability (no frequency hopping)
- High maintenance costs to provide fail-proof networks
ZigBee is targeted at radio-frequency (RF) applications that require a low data rate, long battery life, and secure networking.
The low cost allows the technology to be widely deployed in wireless control and monitoring applications, the low power-usage allows longer life with smaller batteries, and the mesh networking provides high reliability and larger range.
ZigBee is mostly used for Home Automation, ZigBee Smart Energy, Commercial Building Automation, Telecommunication Applications, Personal, Home and Hospital Care.
