Zigbee is a communication protocol that, just like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Z-Wave, allows your smart devices to communicate with each other. Zigbee is a so-called 'mesh' network. This means that every device is connected to at least two other sensors or actuators. This has several advantages over the more well-known protocols.

Zigbee devices consume very little energy, allowing them to last a very long time on a battery. Some sensors last for years without ever needing a battery replacement. Another advantage is the transmission of the wireless signal. Zigbee devices communicate not only with a central point, such as your router or a hub, but also with each other. The sensors pass signals to one another, extending the range and allowing devices to take over each other's functions. As soon as a device fails, the system is still able to communicate with one another. Smart!

Some examples of well-known devices that use Zigbee include smart lights from Philips Hue/Ikea or the various sensors from Xiaomi Aqara. It is perfect for devices that are often left on continuously and need to consume little energy. Zigbee is smart, secure, and sustainable. A great solution for every smart home!

In a Zigbee mesh network, there are three different types of devices: end device, router, and coordinator. A Zigbee network always has one (and no more) coordinator, and can have multiple routers and end devices.

Coordinator

A coordinator is the starting point of your Zigbee mesh network and is responsible for forming the network. The CC2531/CC2652RB sticks can be flashed with zigbee2mqtt firmware and handle communication between the routers/end devices and your home automation software. Well-known free packages that are widely used are Domoticz and Home Assistant. Home automation hardware Homey It has a built-in coordinator, allowing a Zigbee mesh network to be set up immediately with routers and end devices.

Due to its low price, the CC2531 is very suitable for a beginner network with a few Zigbee sensors. The stick is less powerful and can connect to a maximum of 30 devices. A good upgrade is the powerful CC2652RB stick with coordinator firmware. Because it can communicate with more than 100 Zigbee devices, it is suitable for large Zigbee mesh networks.

Router

Routers They are responsible for routing traffic between different nodes. Routers do not sleep and therefore require a constant power supply, not a battery. Well-known routers include Hue/Tradfri lights, smart plugs, built-in switches, and dimmers. The CC2531/CC2652RB stick can also be equipped with Zigbee2MQTT router firmware. By having multiple routers in the house at different locations, a very stable and large Zigbee mesh network with a wide range is created. Should a router fail, communication will be picked up by other routers in the vicinity.

End device

The end devices are often the reason for building a home automation system. You might want to measure the temperature in different rooms, secure your home with door contacts, leak sensors, or motion detectors. Or you might want to make your home smart by turning on lights based on light detection or movement. End devices only transmit information and do not receive it. They can also sleep and only transmit when it is actually necessary. This makes end devices a suitable choice for battery-powered devices, and they can often last for more than a year on a single battery. An end device has only one parent, either the coordinator or a router, generally the nearest device when it was paired. All communication to and from the end device takes place via its parent.

Zigbee2MQTT

Zigbee2MQTT is open-source software that allows you to read your Zigbee devices via MQTT. By using the Zigbee2MQTT plugin within Home Assistant and Domoticz, you can easily manage your Zigbee network. You can open your Zigbee network to new sensors and view all information from the sensors in your network.