3zigbee network configuration – SENA ProBee-ZE20S-SEME User Manual
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ProBee-ZE20S-SExx User Guide Rev 1.8
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3
ZigBee Network Configuration
A ZigBee Network consists of a coordinator, routers and end-devices. A minimal ZigBee network consists
of one coordinator and multiple end-devices which directly connect to the coordinator. For larger ZigBee
networks, routers are required to provide redundant routings to form mesh networks.
ZigBee Coordinator: The coordinator forms the root of the network tree and might bridge to
other networks. There is exactly one ZigBee coordinator in each network since the coordinator
starts the ZigBee network itself. It also stores information about the network, including acting as
the Trust Center & repository for security keys.
ZigBee Router: The routers are able to route messages between other devices. Since the
coordinator provides the routing functionality too, the routers are optional to form a ZigBee
network.
ZigBee End-Device: The end-device contains just enough functionality to talk to the parent node
which is either the coordinator or a router. It cannot relay data from other devices.
ZigBee Sleepy End-Device: The sleepy end-device is the same with normal end-device except it
can stay in the sleep mode much longer. This relationship allows the end-device to sleep
significant amount of the time and achieve the long battery life.
The ZE20S can be configured to work either as a coordinator, a router, an end-device or a sleepy end-
device. Once the operation mode of the ZE20S is selected, corresponding parameters need to be set up
appropriately. This chapter explains how to configure the ZE20S operation mode and other parameters
related to the ZigBee network itself.
Table 3-1 ZigBee Node Types
Node Type
Recommendation when to use ZE20S
Coordinator
It should be selected when it is first time to establish the network.
Router
It is recommended when there is a network already and it needs to be expanded. A
router is suitable for fast and stable data transmissions and receptions.
End-Device
It is recommended when it does not need to expand the network anymore and
there are enough nodes as parents. An end-device consumes less power than a
router.
Sleepy End-Device
It is recommended when the data transmissions occur rarely and in very small
quantities. A sleepy end-device can lose data if sleep duration is too long, but it is
possible to consume extremely low power as low as 2uA.