What is Zigbee? ZigBee is a wireless technology that provides connectivity in a personal area network (PAN)—one that people use to help computer devices communicate in a relatively close proximity.

Nearly 70,000 active computer devices can function on one ZigBee network. Each device in a ZigBee network uses low power and can run for years off a single AA battery. While a ZigBee network uses low power, its slow data transmission can be a drawback. Consider the following ways in which a ZigBee could be useful to your business:

1. Zigbee offers remote and wireless monitoring solutions.

2. Zigbee networks are affordable and power efficient.

3. ZigBee is a secure, low-maintenance control system.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go wireless with ZigBee

ZigBee networks have low power requirements, which can extend the lifecycle of your power sources. Additionally, due to low power requirements, devices operating on a ZigBee network can function for a long time on the smallest cell type batteries--which saves you money.

I recommend: Check out National Control Devices for ZigBee relay controllers designed to offer easy wireless control. Queralt offers a wireless reader, which enables data transmission using a ZigBee network.

Check out ZigBee product types

If you're looking for a small, interoperable, affordable and low power network--ZigBee is for you. There are three types of Zigbee products to choose from: (1) network coordinator, (2) router and (3) end devices. The ZigBee network coordinator initiates network formation, the router links other devices together and the end devices are operational products such as switches, monitors, sensors and other controllers.

I recommend: Digi International sells PAN radio frequency adapters, modules and other products that combine ZigBee features with the flexibility of XBee products. Lemos International sells a variety of ZigBee single chip modules.

Find a ZigBee provider

Since its release in 2005, ZigBee has gained considerable market share. Just as other new technologies have served the needs of a specific niche area, ZigBee has surfaced as the latest technology used to create a net-shaped network among devices--thus allowing a single active device to expand across a wider area than Bluetooth technology or wireless USB connections. As the demand for ZigBee networks has grown, so has the number of vendors from which you can purchase ZigBee products.

I recommend: MeshNetics designs ZigBee modules, applications and software products that you can easily integrate into your current operating system. California Eastern Laboratories, a member of the ZigBee Alliance, offers evaluation kits, pricing and samples for a full line of ready-to-install ZigBee modules.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The ZigBee Alliance is an association of more than 200 companies working together to promote the use of ZigBee--a reliable, cost-effective, low-power wireless technology. Check out the ZigBee Alliance website to download the ZigBee specification and obtain additional information on how you can use ZigBee as a cost-effective and efficient wireless control solution.