Radio communication protocols

XBee modules support multiple wireless protocols which are suitable for many different network topologies. Open standards include Zigbee, 802.15.4, and Wi-Fi. Digi has also developed proprietary protocols such as Multipoint and DigiMesh. The following list includes the supported protocols:

IEEE 802.15.4

IEEE 802.15.4 is a standard which specifies the physical layer and media access control for low-rate wireless personal area networks. It is the basis for the Zigbee, ISA100.11a, WirelessHART, and MiWi specifications, each of which further extends the standard by developing the upper layers which are not defined in IEEE 802.15.4. The modules included in this kit are IEEE 802.15.4. The standard is designed specifically for energy efficient communications in a point-to-point or a point-to-multipoint configuration and includes sleeping and security.

Use:

  • Single point communications.
  • Fast connections between two devices.

Use:

  • Non-expandible networks that need low power or intermittent functioning.

Zigbee / Zigbee SE (Smart Energy)

Zigbee is a specification for a suite of high-level communication protocols. Its main purpose is to create a meshed network topology (hierarchy) to allow a number of devices to communicate among them.

Use:

  • Large systems that need to expand without a loss of function.
  • Systems that need extended communications.
  • Systems using non-directional communications patterns.
  • Systems with intermittent function of the individual modules due to power loss or cyclical functioning.
  • Large-scale networks with low power functioning on end devices.
  • Linked embedded devices or devices that move.
  • Systems that require interoperability between devices made by different vendors.

DigiMesh (Digi proprietary)

DigiMesh is a proprietary peer-to-peer wireless networking protocol developed by Digi International Inc. DigiMesh forms a meshed network. The protocol allows for time-synchronized sleeping nodes/routers and low-power battery powered operation. The protocol is currently supported by several 900 MHz, 868 MHz, 865 MHz, and 2.4 GHz Digi radio modules.

Use:

  • Systems that require the ability to sleep on all nodes.
  • Systems that require simplified network setup and expansion.
  • More robust mesh networks (no parent/child dependencies).
  • Systems that require longer range options for each hop.
  • Systems with larger frame payloads.
  • Environments where increased reliability is important due to routers that come and go due to interference or damage.

Multipoint (Digi proprietary)

XBee multipoint RF modules are ideal for applications requiring low latency and predictable communication timing. They provide quick, robust communication in point-to-point, peer-to-peer, and multipoint/star configurations. Multipoint modules can be deployed as a pure cable replacement for simple serial communication or as part of a more complex hub-and-spoke network of sensors. Many DigiMesh XBee devices also support Multipoint as a transmit option.

Use:

  • Multipoint networks with longer range options.
  • Systems that do not require fast communication.

IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi)

XBee Wi-Fi RF modules provide wireless connectivity to end-point devices in 802.11 bgn networks. Using the 802.11 feature set, these modules are interoperable with other 802.11 bgn devices, including devices from other vendors.

Use:

Cellular

Cellular technology is ideal for wireless connectivity to end-point devices in remote locations or where signal penetration is an issue. Easily send data to AWS/MQTT or your own server application using TCP, UDP and SSL/TLS communication protocols.

Use: 

Note Not all XBee devices can run all communication protocols. The combination of XBee hardware and radio firmware determines the protocol that an XBee device can execute. Refer to the Digi XBee Family Features Comparison for more information about the available XBee RF modules and the protocols they support.