What types of ZigBee Devices exist in a network?
top According to IEEE MAC specification that introduces three device types, ZigBee specifies the following ZigBee Devices: • ZigBee Coordinator (MAC Network Coordinator). Maintains overall network knowledge; most sophisticated of the three types; most memory and computing power • ZigBee Router (MAC Full Function Device: Carries full 802.15.4 functionality and all features specified by the standard). • ZigBee End Device (MAC Reduced Function Device: Carriers limited functionality to control cost and complexity. Also, may be MAC Full Function Device). Thats where the physical devices reside. What Topologies are supported by ZigBee? top The figure below illustrates the possible network configurations and the roles of the devices. ZigBee network topologies As shown above, there are three different network topologies that are supported by Zigbee, namely the star, mesh and cluster tree or hybrid networks. Each has its own advantages and can be used to advantage in different situations. The s
