through other adjacent nodes. Mesh
networks can be huge and cover a
large area. Sensor networks are an
example. Plus,
ZigBee can
connect to the
Internet. It uses a
variation of the
6LoWPAN
protocol.
A key feature
of ZigBee is that it
offers specific
applications for
common
operations. These
are like the
Bluetooth profiles.
Some of these
applications include
building
automation for
control and
monitoring of
facilities, RF remote controls for
home electronics, home energy
monitoring, home monitoring and
control of devices by smartphone,
fitness and health care monitoring,
control of LED lighting, and many
more.
The latest version of ZigBee is
3.0. What it does is unify many of the
available applications into one piece
of software. This is especially
attractive to Io T developers as it
allows communications and
interoperability among as many as
130 different smart devices (Figure
2). ZigBee 3.0 is compatible with
ZigBee PRO, which is a popular
version. In addition, 3.0 supports
both easy-to-use DIY installations, as
well as professionally installed
systems.
For more details on these new
versions, go directly to the sources at
www.bluetooth.org and
www.zigbee.org. NV
Crea
te
You
r
Own
Cu
s
tom
Antenn
a!
■ FIGURE 2. ZigBee 3.0 makes creating home
automation and control applications for the Internet of
Things faster and easier than ever.
66 March 2015
