ZigBee Technology and Its Overall Working and Operations - Coursework Example

A REPORT ON ZIGBEE A report on ZigBee Author Author Affiliation Date Table of Contents TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW 4 CURRENT APPLICATIONS 5 FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF ZIGBEE 7 SECURITY 8 Health Care Management 9 Fitness Schedule Systems 9 Activity Monitoring 10 OPPORTUNITIES 10 Low Power 11 Robust 11 Mesh Networking 12 Interoperability 12 ZIGBEE ADVANTAGES 12 CHALLENGES AND RISKS 15 POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN ZIGBEE TECHNOLOGY 16 CONCLUSION 17 REFERENCES 17 19 INTRODUCTION ZigBee is a collection of specifications formulated through IEEE 802.15.4 communication wireless protocol. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which is a non-profit association devoted to improve communication and technology development linking electronic and electronics devices. In this scenario, the IEEE standards section of 802 is about the network processes and technologies, comprising local networks and mid-sized networks. Then the next clause (15) of IEEE standards is about the Group especially by wireless networking systems and technologies, and comprises at the present ubiquitous 802.15.1 network technology and communication working group, that is as well recognized as Bluetooth. Additionally, the IEEE standard itself is synchronized through a group acknowledged as the ZigBee coalition, by over 150 associates internationally (McGuigan, 2011), (Chen, Wu, Wen, Ye, & Liu, 2009) and (Sun & Zheng, 2009). As Bluetooth technology focuses on linking among huge packet user devices, like that phones, laptops and main peripherals, ZigBee is intended to offer extremely well-organized connectivity among small packet devices. Thus, due to its cut down in processes that are one to two complete orders of scale less difficult as compared to Bluetooth device, costing for ZigBee devices is tremendously competitive, through complete nodes obtainable for a part of the price of a Bluetooth node (McGuigan, 2011), (Chen, Wu, Wen, Ye, & Liu, 2009) and (Sun & Zheng, 2009). This report presents a detailed analysis of some of the main areas and aspects of the ZigBee technology and its overall working and operations. This report will present a comprehensive analysis of some of the main areas and aspects of this technology framework, working, operations, advantages, issues and futures trends. TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW The technology of the ZigBee standard is applied on small less power devices to attach or link jointly to different types of wireless control web. Additionally, a ZigBee communication network is able to facilitate up to 254 attached communication client nodes in addition to one complete functional device (that is also known as master). In addition, ZigBee protocol is changed and optimized according to specific requirements through extremely long battery life calculated in years or months from low-cost, off the shelf non-rechargeable electric batteries, and is able to manage air conditioning, lighting and heating, fire and smoke alarms, and further safety devices. In this scenario, the data and communication standard facilitates 868 MHz (in Europe), 2.4 GHz (globally) and 915 MHz (in Americas) unlicensed radio communication bands by means of distance range up to 75 meters (Webopedia, 2011). In addition, ZigBee communication technology offers extensive data outputs in data sharing applications where the overall data transfer duty cycle is short. In this scenario, it formulates ZigBee as a perfect platform for business, home and industrial automation where communication and data sharing systems and sensors are normally employed. Additionally, these kinds of systems and devices can perform at small power levels, and this, in combination with their small data sharing duty cycle (normally 0.1% or fewer) translates into extended battery life. Moreover, the data sharing and communication systems as well as applications effectively facilitate to ZigBee comprising ventilation, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), intrusion detection, lighting systems, fire sensing as well as the discovery and announcement of strange incidences. Furthermore, the ZigBee technology is well-matched with the majority communication topologies comprising star network, peer-to-peer and mesh networks are able to manage up to 255 devices in a particular wireless personal area networking (TechTarget, 2005) and (Webopedia, 2011). CURRENT APPLICATIONS The technology of the ZigBee is recognized as a set of standards and specifications intended for WPAN (wireless personal area networking), i.e. digital radio associations among related devices and computers. In this scenario, ZigBee or WPAN Low Rate offers standards and specifications intended for devices that have small data rates, use extremely small power as well as are consequently characterized through long system working battery life. Additionally, ZigBee technology makes it probable totally networked homes where the entire devices are capable to correspond and be controlled through a particular unit. In addition, the ZigBee communication framework offers a standards body that describes ZigBee, as well brings out application outlines that permits numerous OEM dealers to produce interoperable products. The present list of systems and applications of ZigBee communication framework are: (Ahamed, 2009) ZigBee Smart Energy Home Automation Personal Home Telecommunication Applications The wireless sensor network is predictable to be a main communication technology intended for numerous applications like that building control, home automation automobile monitoring and energy savings. In this scenario, a lot of research work and studies on sensor communication network applications have been outlined. Additionally, the technology development kit products, in that a optical sensor, temperature sensor, beeper or push button switch are brought together on a circuit board, are offered through ZigBee module vendors intended for systems like that air conditioning or room lighting controllers. In this scenario, the ZigBee data sending and receiving sensor networks are possibly appropriate intended for a lot of additional applications. ZigBee data sharing and communication module products encompass numerous kinds of interfaces; they carry out their function at small power consumption, as well as the modules are typically little. The communication control software intended for the module is packaged in the product or is obtainable for free download on the Internet. In this scenario, systems in that data from sensors network at remote locations are transmitted to a base station computer are able to be assessed and configured at a comparatively small cost (Terada, 2009). In addition, the objective of the ZigBee association is to offer the customer ultimate mobility, flexibility as well as simplicity of utilization by constructing wireless intelligence and potentials into daily devices. Additionally, the ZigBee communication technology is being implemented in a broad variety of applications and products all through the commercial, medical, industrial, consumer as well as government marketplaces globally. For the initial time, organizations contain straightforward, dependable, low-cost and low-power standards foundational upon wireless technology optimized intended for the exclusive requirements of remote control and monitoring applications (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). Moreover, the ZigBee technology will perform a significant role in the implementation of Assistive Technology by facilitating wireless low-power communication among services and devices that promote protected, self-governing and healthy living circumstances intended for the elderly or disabled. As well to Assistive Technology, ZigBee communication platform applications in the fitness and health areas are able to address a number of other marketplace segments as well as requirements (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). FUTURE APPLICATIONS OF ZIGBEE It is possible that ZigBee technology will more and more perform a significant role in the future of communication and computer technology. In scenario of communication protocol stack size, ZigBee's data size is 32 KB that is approximately one third of the data packet stack size essential in additional wireless technologies (intended for limited potential end devices, the data packet stack size is as small as 4 KB). The IEEE 802.15.4–foundational upon the ZigBee technology is intended for sensors and remote controls, those are extremely powerful in number, however require simply little data packets plus, mostly, enormously low power use intended for (long) life. Consequently they are obviously diverse in their technique to their particular application grounds. In addition, the ZigBee Alliance technology applications are aimed to expand commercial, consumer, government and industrial marketplaces globally. Wireless applications are extremely required after in a lot of networks that are exemplify through many nodes consuming smallest amount of electric power plus takes pleasure in extensive battery lives. Moreover, the ZigBee communication technology is intended to appropriately suit these applications, for the motive that it facilitates minimized costs of technology development as well as extremely fast marketplace adoption (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). SECURITY ZigBee technology offers main advantages of the security and data integrity. ZigBee is aimed to influence the security model of the IEEE-802.15.4-MAC sub layer that identifies 4 security services: (Ahamed, 2009) Access control Data encryption Frame integrity Sequential freshness ZigBee technology is aimed to improve such communication technology areas in future and will offer more improved services and support for the better handling and management of the communication and data transfers across multiple location (Ahamed, 2009). Health Care Management Healthcare areas are also expected to be extremely influenced through this technology. It has been seen that ZigBee technology has greatly influenced the Healthcare sector and there is strong probability that this technology will also influence Healthcare sector in future. The healthcare area offers openings for a major amount of applications of wireless sensor communication and collaboration technology (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). Fitness Schedule Systems For the personalization of the healthcare fitness schedule of a person the ZigBee technology can perform in a great deal of enhanced way. In this scenario, the planning to be followed by the person could be entered by a trainer or the person. For instance, training for a long race could comprise running on a treadmill as of a timetable planned through his/her trainer. For every training day, the game trainer plans the pace, the distance as well as the highest heart rate at that the person needs to be trained. The game trainer would as well like to check the person’s respiration outline. As the distances as well as the pace are supplied in the course of the heart rate, the treadmill and the respiration are monitored through wireless medical devices damaged through the individual. Such type of monitoring system is expected in future supported through the ZigBee technology (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). Activity Monitoring Utilization of ZigBee technology for the activity monitoring is also expected in future. This utilization pays attention on accessing an old person’s every day movement. As well a number of advanced wearable medical sensors/devices those are able to check the very important signs (like that temperature, heart beat, etc.), this application of ZigBee technology for monitoring people health is also expected to improve the overall life and living and working arrangement. This will offer a great deal of facility in case of automated analysis and checking of different aspects and areas of the monitoring health care related aspects (ZigBee Alliance., 2009). OPPORTUNITIES In this section I will outline some of the main aspects and areas of the opportunities those are offered by the ZigBee technology framework. There is higher need for analysis and investigation of such technology aspects in case of ZigBee technology working at different areas and potential opportunities: Low Power The main advantage of straightforward, gainful, low-power wireless linking that ZigBee communication technology offers tackles a range of marketplaces, comprising home and industrial monitoring, automation and control, and health care diagnostics. Additionally, the free scale offers the entire the fundamental foundations employed in an entire ZigBee-compliant platform way out: the MAC, RF transceiver as well as ZigBee software, sensors and microcontrollers. The technology development hardware as well as reference designs offer developers with the systems and tools they require to simply and rapidly put into practice these building blocks (FreeScale, 2011) and (Digi International Inc., 2011). Robust The IEEE communication and network technology standard 802.15.4 offers a strong basis intended for ZigBee technology, making sure a dependable solution in deafening situations. In this scenario, features like that plain channel assessment, energy detection as well as channel selection facilitate the device pick the most excellent probable channel, keeping away from other wireless networks like that Wi-Fi communication. Data and information message acknowledgement facilitates to make sure that the data was conveyed to its target location. At last, numerous points of security make sure that the networks as well as data remain undamaged and protected (FreeScale, 2011) and (Digi International Inc., 2011). Mesh Networking The capability to cover huge areas through routers is one of the main characteristics of ZigBee technology that facilitates differentiates itself from further technologies. Additionally, the Mesh networking can expand the variety of the networks in the course of routing, as self healing augments the dependability of the network through re-routing a data and information message in scenario of a communication node breakdown (FreeScale, 2011) and (Digi International Inc., 2011). Interoperability The ZigBee communication technology alliance facilitates in making sure that interoperability among vendors through making certification and testing plans intended for ZigBee devices. Technology users are able to be guaranteed the devices that go in the course of certification testing as well as make use of the ZigBee logo will operate by means of additional devices foundational on the similar applications. This offers end customers by means of the customers through peace of mind as producing brand awareness of products by means of the ZigBee communication technology logo (FreeScale, 2011) and (Digi International Inc., 2011). ZIGBEE ADVANTAGES The fundamental benefit of ZigBee technology is its capability to be configured in supposed mesh networks by means of wireless nodes that is the availability of battery lives for a number of years. In such arrangement of mesh topology, every communicating node is in straight communication by means of its direct neighbor; if a communication node be unsuccessful; the intended data messages are automatically rerouted a kind of small Internet. ZigBee technology as well facilitates additional proficient star network topologies, in that fundamental network access points communication to the nodes (Etonnet , 1999) and (Garza, 2010). In addition, the ZigBee is in fact the network communication protocol, safety, as well as application layers intended for one kind of network that is able to execute on radios making sure to the 802.15 standard of the IEEE, an umbrella that as well holds Bluetooth as well as additional kinds of WPANs. The network physical layers intended for ZigBee technology based transmitters are explained in IEEE 802.15.4 as well as were accepted preceding years (Etonnet, 1999) and (Garza, 2010). Moreover, the Zigbee technology protocol was intended to be best for the control as well as communication sensor application space. It is a little extra complex as compared to Bluetooth, and has greater power management, upholds a lot of more nodes for each network, has inferior latency, allows devices links the network further rapidly, as well as wakes up in milliseconds in its place of seconds (Etonnet, 1999) and (Garza, 2010). Furthermore, as compared to RFID, a number of diverse types of RFID do not fit jointly. ZigBee is a communication technology based standard. Additionally, numerous diverse ZigBee technology modules from dissimilar corporations are able to converse each other. This is another important benefit of this technology. Eventually, small ZigBee communication based sensors could be employed to RFID (or restore active radio frequency identification) tags, those broadcast data (Etonnet, 1999) and (Garza, 2010). I have outlined below some of the main benefits of ZigBee technology as given below: (Tomin, 2010) Chip-vendor self-government Fast modernization Tremendously small cost Open standards facilitates marketplaces Simple to organize Outstanding communication performance in atmospheres by means of small signal-to-noise ratio Suitable variety of process (30 - 100 meters) Suitable as well as dependable data transfer, bit rate at the 250kbps at 2.4 GHz Extremely small power use Safe data transport Able to be established by means of some kind of microcontroller CHALLENGES AND RISKS In this section I will present some of main challenges and risks in case of ZigBee technology working and application at the corporate areas. Here below I have outlined some of main aspects and issues in case of ZigBee technology: At present, a number of expected applications are in household controls as well as service metering, in addition to scientific, industrial as well as medical (ISM) equipment. To go through these applications, though, it has to keep all product developers away from the RF designs as well as up-holding knowledge as well as IP embedded in obtainable products (Furness, 2008). For instance, a wireless key for garage door or automobile opener system can previously be functioning adequately with a proprietary standard in the 433MHz or 868MHz communication band. In this scenario, moving around this to ZigBee technology would be an important responsibility, simply recognized for a major development in the data transfer product, like that enhancing safety or data or information tamper resistance (Furness, 2008). ZigBee technology is a standard that is recognized to be appropriate for wireless communication sensor arrangement. In ZigBee technology based framework, a communication device is said to link a network if it is able to get a network address from a parent data transfer device. Additionally, the devices compute communication addresses for their child devices through a distributed address task system. This task is simple to put into practice; however it limits the amount of children of a device as well as the depth of the communication network. We view that if one utilizes the random arrangement policy applied in ZigBee, the use of the address pool will be extremely low. Those communication devices those are able to not get network addresses will be cut-off as of the network as well as turn out to be orphan nodes. These types of issues are known as the orphan node when it is able to not connect by the network however there are idle address spaces (Pan & Tseng, 2007). POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS IN ZIGBEE TECHNOLOGY This section will outline some of the main advancements in the ZigBee communication based network. Through current technical as well as advancements in technological in wireless sensor network, it turns out to be currently probable to visualize not simply non real-time data gather however as well more complex real-time applications. Therefore, wireless sensor networks are able to be comprehensive to comprise actuator nodes, known a number of researchers’ wireless sensor as well as actuator network (Boughanmi & Song, 2007). The technology of the ZigBee is aimed to improve the overall data rate in coming years to enhance the overall working and operational power of the systems. The ZigBee technology is also aimed to make a vital market position like Bluetooth or WiFi technology platforms. In coming years we are expecting a great deal of high market products and systems supported through the ZigBee technology framework (Furness, 2008). It is also expected that the future of Bluetooth technology was in doubt for some time, until administrations forced legislation on the utilization of mobile phones in vehicles and in so doing kick-started the marketplace intended for Bluetooth headsets. It is tough to visualize a probable governmental catalyst for ZigBee as well as a ‘killer application’ to force mass adoption appears improbable, taking into explanation the distinctiveness of ISM marketplaces (Furness, 2008). CONCLUSION The technology of ZigBee is presently taken as the one of high-tech technology for the potential enhancement of the business and corporate also the home based working. The long better life and less costly nature of the ZingBee technology is offering a greater support for its better marketplace adoption. This research and analysis based report has tried to present a comprehensive analysis of the ZigBee technology. I this report will offer a better insight into the overall technology framework of ZigBee communication technology. REFERENCES Ahamed, S. (2009). The Role of ZigBee Technology in Future Data Communication System. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology, Volume 5 Issue 2, pp. 129-135. Boughanmi, N., & Song, Y. (2007). Improvement of ZigBee Routing Protocol including Energy and Delay Constraints. Retrieved May 03, 2011, from http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/18/81/91/PDF/jrtns_Boughanmi_Song.pdf Chen, J., Wu, X. J., Wen, P. Z., Ye, F., & Liu, J. W. (2009). A new distributed localization algorithm for ZigBee wireless networks . CCDC'09: Proceedings of the 21st annual international conference on Chinese control and decision conference (pp. 4487-4492). IEEE Press Piscataway, NJ, USA. Digi International Inc. (2011). 802.15.4 – ZigBee Physical Layer. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from http://www.digi.com/technology/rf-articles/wireless-zigbee.jsp Etonnet . (1999). ZigBee Advantage. Retrieved May 05, 2011, from http://etonnet.com/zigbeeadvantage.aspx FreeScale. (2011). ZigBee Standards Overview. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from http://www.freescale.com/webapp/sps/site/overview.jsp?code=ZIGBEE_OVERVIEW_CATEGORY Furness, J. (2008, February 21). Zigbee: Problem child or future success? Retrieved May 02, 2011, from http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Articles/2008/02/21/43183/Zigbee-Problem-child-or-future-success.htm Garza, G. (2010, September 03). Zigbee Advantages. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from eHow.com: http://www.ehow.com/list_6922288_zigbee-advantages.html McGuigan, B. (2011, April 07). What Is ZigBee? Retrieved May 05, 2011, from WiseGeek.com: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-zigbee.htm Pan, M.-S., & Tseng, Y.-C. (2007). The Orphan Problem in ZigBee-based Wireless Sensor Networks. Retrieved May 03, 2011, from http://www.cs.nctu.edu.tw/~yctseng/papers.pub/sensor21-orphan-mswim-2007.pdf Sun, D., & Zheng, S. (2009). Research and design of meter reading system based on ZigBee wireless sensor network. WSEAS Transactions on Circuits and Systems, Volume 8 Issue 1, pp. 31-40. TechTarget. (2005, September 21). ZigBee. Retrieved May 04, 2011, from TechTarget.com: http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/ZigBee Terada, M. (2009). Application of ZigBee sensor network to data acquisition and monitoring. Measurement Science Review, Volume 9 Issue 6, pp. 183-186. Tomin. (2010, December 12). Advantages of ZigBee. Retrieved May 02, 2011, from http://electronic-setup.blogspot.com/2010/12/advantages-of-zigbee.html Webopedia. (2011). ZigBee. Retrieved May 05, 2011, from http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Z/ZigBee.html ZigBee Alliance. (2009, March). ZigBee Wireless Sensor Applications for Health, Wellness and Fitness. Retrieved May 05, 2011, from www.zigbee.org/imwp/download.asp?ContentID=15585 Read More