Added to your cart

Your cart is empty.

Zigbee 101 – Everything you need to know

Zigbee 101

Everything you need to know on your devices’ language

Do you have smart devices at home? Well just like you, they communicate. And chances are they’re speaking Zigbee, a widely used wireless communication protocol.


Why devices communicate?

Smart devices must use a wireless communication protocol to receive the commands we send them when using an app or management platform. They also communicate to send information to the gateway and to your app, such as when they transmit information about electricity usage to generate consumption reports like those found in Neviweb, the management platform designed by Sinopé Technologies.

 

The benefits of Zigbee

  • Low energy consumption
    Zigbee uses little energy to communicate between smart devices, which is especially important when you want to optimize the energy consumption of devices or when you use battery-powered products.

 

  • Extensive network
    The communication protocol uses a network architecture called meshing. In a meshing architecture, every device is a repeater and transmits de signal sent by the gateway. As long as a device remains connected and within reach of another device, it can communicate with the gateway. This makes it possible to extend the network and to have smart devices as far as in the backyard!

 

  • Dynamic communication
    No matter the order in which your smart devices are installed, they will always find the best communication path. This means that even if you remove a thermostat, or if it stops working, communication will still be optimal. The communication path will be automatically modified.

 

  • Compatibility and interoperability
    Since Zigbee is a standard communication protocol, it is possible to connect and use products from multiple manufacturers in the same smart home without using an additional gateway. This means that even if you have two products from different brands, they should be able to work together if they use the same communication protocol. That said, this information needs to be nuanced: for two products from different brands to work together, the manufacturers also need to internally validate the compatibility and «accept» the device so that indeed all the devices can interact on the same network.

 

Are there other communication protocols?

There are other smart home communication protocols.

Wi-Fi is interesting because it doesn’t require a gateway since the communication goes directly through the router. On the other hand, the communication range can be limited and problematic in a large house or if you want to install smart devices in the backyard (to control outdoor lighting or the pool, for example). Each device must be within the router’s range. Otherwise, a repeater must be installed. Moreover, connecting a large number of smart products to the domestic network is generally not recommended for performance and stability.

The Z-Wave protocol has similar benefits to Zigbee, although it uses a different frequency band. However, the penetration rate of this communication protocol is lower, whether in the commercial or industrial market, as opposed to the Zigbee protocol that has a strong presence in both segments.

 

Zigbee, supported by industry leaders

Recommended  by leading figures in the smart home industry like Amazon, SmartThings, Huawei and Signify, the Zigbee communication protocol has a substantial capital of sympathy and an aura of success predicting the best for the Zigbee Alliance.

 

4 responses to “Zigbee 101 – Everything you need to know”

  1. Ibukun says:

    How many thermostats can be connected to one gateway hub please?

    • Valérie Sinopé says:

      Hello,
      Thank you for your question! The GT130 gateway can control up to 64 connected devices.
      Thanks,
      The Sinopé team

  2. Peter Mackenzie says:

    I have a long distance between the front and back of my unit (30 meters) and will need some sort of intermediate mesh points. I don’t have anything I need to control in the connecting hallway, so I would just like the cheapest option for one or more mesh points. What do you suggest? If instead I use two different gateways for the front and back, can they be linked into one system, or would I have two separate meshes? Thanks

    • Isabelle Sinopé says:

      Hi Peter,
      Wen would need more information in order to help you.
      Are you want to link two Web programmable devices that are 30 m apart or more Zigbee devices?
      Devices with the same type of communication protocol can act as a signal repeater. So, if you want to install thermostats at 100′ distance, you can put switches (1 or 2 according) between your second thermostat or your gateway.
      If you need more information, you can contact our Technical Support department at 1 855 741-7701.
      We will gladly help you find the perfect setup.

      Thanks,

      The Sinopé Team

Leave a Reply to Peter Mackenzie Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Suggested Articles

Most Popular

Subscribe to our
newsletter now!

Sign up for our newsletter to make sure you don't miss anything! Be the first to receive information on our promotions and new products, get tips and much more.
Un instant

You can withdraw your consent at any time. Pour For more details,
see our Privacy Policy ou Contact Us.

Surf the
summer
wave!

Get 15% off
the smart electrical load controller.*

Enter the code

SPLASH15

Reduce your energy consumption by remotely controlling your pool’s filtration and water heater.

*Offer valid from July 19 to July 26, 2021, at 3:00 A.M. EST.

Get 15% off
the smart electrical load controller.*

Reduce your energy consumption by remotely controlling your pool’s filtration and water heater.

Enter the code

SPLASH15

*Offer valid from July 19 to July 26, 2021, at 3:00 A.M. EST.