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ProBee-ZS10 User Guide Rev.1.1
3
ZigBee Network Configuration
A ZigBee Network consists of a coordinator, routers and end devices. A minimal ZigBee network consists
of one coordinator and multiple end devices which directly connect to the coordinator. For larger ZigBee
networks, routers are required to provide redundant routings to form mesh networks.
ZigBee Coordinator
: The coordinator forms the root of the network tree and might bridge to
other networks. There is exactly one ZigBee coordinator in each network since the coordinator
starts the ZigBee network itself. It also stores information about the network, including acting as
the Trust Center & repository for security keys.
ZigBee Router
: The routers are able to route messages between other devices. Since the
coordinator provides the routing functionality too, the routers are optional to form a ZigBee
network.
ZigBee End Device
: The end device contains just enough functionality to talk to the parent node
which is either the coordinator or a router. It cannot relay data from other devices.
ZigBee Sleepy End Device
: The sleepy end device is the same with normal end device except it
can stay in the sleep mode much longer. This relationship allows the end device to sleep
significant amount of the time and achieve the long battery life.
The ZS10 can be configured to work either as a coordinator, a router or an end device. Once the
operation mode of the ZS10 is selected, corresponding parameters need to be set up appropriately. This
chapter explains how to configure the ZS10 operation mode and other parameters related to the ZigBee
network itself.
Table 3-1 ZigBee Node Types
Node Type
Recommendation when to use ZS10
Coordinator
It should be selected when it is first time to establish the network.
Router
It is recommended when there is a network already and it needs to be expanded. A
router is suitable for fast and stable data transmissions and receptions.
End Device
It is recommended when it doesn’t need to expand the network anymore and there
are enough nodes as parents. An end-device consumes less power than a router.
Sleepy End Device It is recommended when the data transmissions occur rarely and in very small
quantities. A sleepy end device can lose data if sleep duration is too long, but it is
possible to consume extremely low power as low as 2uA.
3.1
Setting up ZS10 as a Coordinator
A coordinator relays messages and can act as a parent to other nodes. Every personal area network
(PAN) must be started by a node acting as the coordinator. This device is normally always powered on.
To set up the ZS10 to work as the coordinator, please follow the steps as below
