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ZigBee
for houses & commercial buildingsZigBee is an energy-efficient radio protocol designed for wireless networks with low data volumes. This primarily includes smart home automation, i.e. the automation of lighting, blinds and other devices. ZigBee products can be seamlessly integrated into smart home systems such as Philips Hue and can then be controlled using a central app - in this case the Hue app. With the introduction of ZigBee 3.0, a uniform standard has been created for all devices in networked buildings, which drastically increases compatibility.
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What you need to know
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ZigBee can be used in a variety of ways in everyday life. In the networked building (and its outdoor area), devices can be switched on and off and controlled by app or voice. This includes, for example, dimming the lighting, controlling motorized shutters and blinds as well as heating control.
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ZigBee devices are networked with each other in a wireless mesh network. This means that the range can be extended almost at will. The low energy consumption allows the integration of battery-operated sensors and switches. ZigBee devices are also compatible with smart home systems such as Philips Hue.
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Compared to WLAN, ZigBee has the advantage that the wireless standard is not limited to the range of the router. ZigBee devices communicate with each other - each device is both a transmitter and receiver of a command. For example, the signal from the living room is passed on to the outdoor lighting.
How far does ZigBee reach?
As with WLAN/WiFi and Bluetooth, the radio range is between 10 and 20 m, depending on the transmission power. The range can be influenced by factors such as the building material and its thickness, but also by the interior design - e.g. vinyl wallpaper. Communication between the ZigBee products (mesh network, also possible with Bluetooth mesh technology) can increase the range: All actuators form radio paths with each other. If a signal is sent - for example to switch on the light - the signal looks for the best possible path for data transmission. Only the distance between two products must not exceed 10 - 20 m.
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For which areas of application is ZigBee suitable?
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Areas of application in home automation include lighting, heating, blinds and cameras. ZigBee products are not wired. This means that ZigBee devices can be used not only in owner-occupied homes, but also in rented apartments and for simple retrofitting. When you move, you simply take the products with you.
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ZigBee products also improve convenience and safety outdoors. The mesh network can reach every corner of the outdoor area and, for example, a garden shed. In addition to the outdoor lights, separate, battery-operated sensors and outdoor cameras provide a comprehensive security boost on the property.
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In the professional sector, ZigBee impresses with its low energy consumption and range. Architectural challenges such as reinforced concrete walls also offer many possibilities for building automation and monitoring. Retrofitting is also possible without any chiselling or wiring.
Is ZigBee safe?
Data transmission between the app, the hub and the ZigBee devices is encrypted. The encryption uses the 128-bit AES-CCM algorithm in accordance with the ZigBee specification and is therefore tap-proof. If ZigBee is mainly used for lighting control within the building, the risks are limited. Manufacturers are also continuously working on security updates.
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What is the ZigBee hub and when is it needed?
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ZigBee devices can also be used without a control center (e.g. the Philips Hue Bridge). Depending on the product, the range of functions may be limited. Communication between the devices in the mesh network is also not possible. Some items, such as the Q-Smart Home lights from Paul Neuhaus, also come with compatible remote controls, which make it easy to control them without a hub.
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The ZigBee hub (also called a bridge or gateway, depending on the manufacturer) is the control center of the system. Only with this can the various devices in the mesh network interact with each other or be controlled by voice or while on the move. The most widely used gateway for lighting control is Philips Hue Bridge. The majority of all ZigBee products can be integrated into this. Another common ZigBee hub can be found integrated in Amazon Alexa Echo speakers.
Which manufacturers and providers are compatible with ZigBee?
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What is the Zigbee Alliance?
The ZigBee protocol was developed by the ZigBee Alliance as the lead organization. Many well-known manufacturers have joined forces under this umbrella, all of which support ZigBee. In addition to Philips and other lighting manufacturers, these include Huawei, Amazon, Ikea, Busch-Jaeger, Bosch, Samsung, Siemens, Telekom and Velux. In May 2021, the ZigBee Alliance was renamed the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) and a new future standard was developed: Matter.