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E. Fraccaroli and D. Quaglia
WirelessHART, MiWi, 6LoWPAN, Thread, and SNAP. In particular, 6LoWPAN
defines a low data rate version of IPv6 and is itself used by upper layers like Thread.
3.3.5 ZigBee
ZigBee is an IEEE 802.15.4-based specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power
digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and
other low-power low-data-rate needs, designed for small-scale projects which need
wireless connection [29]. Hence, ZigBee is a low-power, low data rate, and close
proximity (i.e., personal area) wireless ad hoc network [30, 31]. It is worth noting
that documents describing ZigBee standard do not contain the description of IEEE
802.15.4 whose definition is outside the scope of ZigBee.
The technology defined by the ZigBee specification is intended to be simpler
and less expensive than other wireless personal area networks, such as Bluetooth or
more general wireless networking such as Wi-Fi. Applications include wireless light
switches, home energy monitors, traffic management systems, and other consumer
and industrial equipment that requires short-range low-rate wireless data transfer.
The ZigBee constraint on power consumption limits transmission distances to
10–100 m line-of-sight, depending on power output and environmental characteristics. ZigBee devices can transmit data over long distances by passing data
through a mesh network of intermediate devices. ZigBee is typically used in low
data rate applications that require long battery life and secure networking (128-bit
symmetric encryption keys secure ZigBee networks). ZigBee features a physical
rate of 250 kb/s, best suited for intermittent data transmissions from a sensor or
input device.
ZigBee was conceived in 1998, standardized in 2003, and revised in 2006 as
well as 2008 (ZigBee PRO). The name refers to the waggle dance of honey bees
after their return to the beehive.
3.3.6 ZigBee IP
ZigBee IP is the first open standard for an IPv6-based full wireless mesh networking
solution and provides seamless Internet connections to control low-power, lowcost devices [32]. It connects dozens of different devices into a single control
network. ZigBee IP was designed to support ZigBee 2030.5 (formerly known as
ZigBee Smart Energy 2). It has been updated to include 920IP, which provides
specific support for ECHONET Lite and the requirements of Japanese Home Energy
Management systems. 920IP was developed in response to Japan’s Ministry of
Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) designation of 920 MHz for use in
HEMS and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) endorsement of
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