Digi X2 - Manual (Page 130)

C o n f i g u r a t i o n t h r o u g h t h e w e b i n t e r f a c e
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Configure Mesh/ZigBee network settings
A Digi ConnectPort X gateway provides a gateway between an Internet Protocol (IP)
network and a mesh network of various ZigBee wireless devices. Typically, these mesh
devices are small sensors and controllers.
On the Mesh network, the ConnectPort X gateway serves as the coordinator node. As the
coordinator, it is responsible for establishing the operation channel and PAN ID for the
entire mesh network. The ZigBee wireless devices that are discovered and displayed as
routers.
Mesh network terms
ZigBee protocol
Node
ZigBee node types
There are three types of nodes in a Mesh network that uses the ZigBee protocol:
– Coordinator
– Router
– End Device
coordinator
A coordinator is node that has the unique function of forming a network. The
coordinator is responsible for establishing the operating channel and PAN ID for an
entire network. Once established, the coordinator can form a network by allowing
routers and end devices to join to it. Once the network is formed, the Coordinator
functions like a Router (it can participate in routing packets and be a source or
destination for data packets). Characteristics of coordinators include:
- One coordinator per PAN
- Establishes/Organizes PAN
- Can route data packets to/from other nodes
- Can be a data packet source and destination
- Mains-powered
In the web interface, a coordinator is also referred to as a gateway device.