JN517x-DK005
Development
Kit
User Guide
JN-UG-3121 v1.1
© NXP Semiconductors 2017
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1.2.2 Network Identification
A wireless network must have a unique identifier which allows it to be distinguished
from other networks in the same operating neighbourhood. IEEE 802.15.4-based
protocols use a 16-bit value called the PAN ID. This identifier can be pre-defined in the
user application or chosen by the PAN Co-ordinator which creates the network (see
), but it must not clash with the PAN ID of a neighbouring network.
A wireless network protocol may also use its own network identifier (in addition to the
PAN ID) - for example, in the ZigBee PRO protocol, a 64-bit Extended PAN ID (EPID)
is also used.
1.2.3 Node Types
In addition to running an application (e.g. temperature measurement), each node of a
wireless network has a networking role. Most IEEE 802.15.4-based networks can
contain three types of node differentiated by their networking roles, as follows:
Node Type
Description
Co-ordinator
A wireless network has one and only one Co-ordinator, or PAN Co-ordinator. This
node has a role in starting and forming the network, and can also have a routing role
(passes messages from one node to another). Messages can also originate and
terminate here.
Router
This node passes messages from one node to another. Messages can also originate
and/or terminate at a Router. This node type is also sometimes referred to as a Local
Co-ordinator.
End Device
This node is simply a place where messages can originate and/or terminate (the
node does not have a routing role). In order to conserve power, an End Device can
sleep when it is not required to be active.
Table 1: Node Types in a Wireless Network
