Mesh networking is a powerful way to route data over an RF network. Range is extended by allowing data to hop node to node and reliability and resiliency is increased by "self-healing," or the ability to create alternate paths when one node fails or a connection is lost.
One popular mesh networking protocol is Zigbee®, which is specifically designed for low-data rate, low-power applications. Digi offers several products based on the Zigbee protocol. Additionally, Digi offers a similar mesh protocol named DigiMesh® for those seeking a mesh protocol with fewer complexities.
Both Zigbee and DigiMesh offer unique advantages important to different applications. The following chart highlights these differences:
| |
Zigbee® Mesh |
DigiMesh® |
| Node types and their benefits |
Multiple: Coordinators, Routers, End Devices. End devices can sometimes be less expensive because of reduced functionality. |
Single: One homogeneous node type, with more flexibility to expand the network. DigiMesh simplifies network setup and reliability in environments where routers may come and go due to interference or damage. |
| Battery Deployed Networks |
Coordinators and routers must be mains powered |
All nodes are capable of battery operation and can sleep. No single point of failure associated with relying on a gateway or coordinator to maintain time synchronization. |
| Over-the-air firmware updates |
Yes |
Yes |
| Range |
Most Zigbee devices have range of less than 2 miles (3.2 km) for each hop. |
Available on XBee SX with range of up to 40+ miles for each hop. |
| Frame payload and throughput |
Up to 80 bytes. |
Up to 256 bytes, depending on product. Improves throughput for applications that send larger blocks of data. |
| Supported frequencies and RF data rates |
Predominantly 2.4 GHz (250 kbps) |
900 MHz (up to 250 Kbps), 868 MHz, 2.4 GHz (up to 250 Kbps) |
| Security |
128-bit AES encryption. Can lock down the network and prevent other nodes from joining. |
Both 128 and 256-bit AES encryption. Can lock down the network and prevent other nodes from joining. |
| Interoperability |
Potential for interoperability between vendors. |
DigiMesh |
| Interference tolerance |
Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). |
900 MHz: Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). 2.4 GHz: Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). |
| Addressing |
Two layers. MAC address (64 bit) and Network address (16 bit). |
MAC address (64 bit) only. |
| Maintenance |
More sniffers and diagnostic tools available on market. |
Simpler addressing can help in diagnosing problems and setting up a network. |
Learn more about the Digi XBee Ecosystem™.