Channels

For the devices to be able to communicate, they must operate in the same frequency. XBee S2C/S2D and XBee3 devices support all 16 channels defined in the 802.15.4 physical layer, with the following exceptions:

• Channel 26 has reduced maximum output power on the S2C/S2D parts (~3dBm).
• S2C XBee-PRO device supports 15 of the 16 channels; it does not support channel 26.
• XBee3-PRO parts support channel 26, but at a reduced maximum output power (~8dBm).

To determine the specific channel where the device is operating, you must read the Operating Channel (CH) parameter. Unlike 802.15.4, the CH parameter cannot be written in the Zigbee application. However, you can select the operating channel by setting a single bit in the SC parameter. That single bit forces a coordinator to operate on the channel specified by the single bit. It also prevents routers and end devices from joining a network on any channel but the one specified in SC. If the selected channel is not important, you can use the SC parameter to select multiple channels.