BL4S200 User’s Manual
160
7. U
SING
THE
Z
IG
B
EE
F
EATURES
Chapter 7 discusses using the ZigBee features on the BL4S230
board. This networking feature is
not
available on other
BL4S200 models, which have other network interfaces.
7.1 Introduction to the ZigBee Protocol
The ZigBee PRO specification was ratified in April, 2007, and covers high-level commu-
nication protocols for small, low-power digital modems based on the IEEE 802.15.4 stan-
dard for wireless personal area networks (WPANs). The XBee RF module used by the
BL4S230 operates in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band in
most jurisdictions worldwide.
The ZigBee protocol is ideal for embedded-system applications that are characterized by
low data rates and low power consumption. A network of devices using the ZigBee proto-
col works via a self-organizing mesh network that can be used for industrial control,
embedded sensors, data collection, smoke and intruder warning, and building automation.
The power consumption of the individual device could be met for a year or longer using
the originally installed battery.
A ZigBee device can be set up in one of three ways.
•
As a
coordinator
: The coordinator serves as the root of the network tree. Each network
can only have one coordinator. The coordinator stores information about the network
and provides the repository for security keys.
•
As a
router
. Routers pass data from other devices.
•
As an
end device
. End devices contain just enough functionality to talk to their parent
node (either the coordinator or a router), and cannot relay data from other devices.
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