Zigbee Network Topology

Network topology is the design of the elements such as links or nodes of a communication network. It can be used to illustrate various types of telecommunication networks. We already talk briefly about one of the three Zigbee network topology in previous post. Now let dive in a little deeper about all three Zigbee network topology.

Zigbee network topology can be divided into three types. There are star topology, tree topology and peer-to-peer or mesh topology. Each topology will have different affect on how the messages are routed and which devices connect to which devices.

 

 

Star Topology

The first topology is the star topology. Star topology consist of a coordinator and few end devices. It is the simplest and most limited one in the Zigbee. Devices are all connect to single coordinator node and all communication goes via this coordinator. The interesting part about the star topology is it actually define by the underlying 802.15.4 specification which Zigbee builds on. The disadvantage of this topology is it may become hindrance and there is no option path from the source to the end devices.

 

 

Tree Topology

The second topology is tree topology. It consists of coordinator, few routers and end devices that act as a central node or root tree. The routers operate as a extension for the network coverage. The end nodes that connected to the parent (coordinators or routers) are called children. Only the end devices can communicate with the parent. The detriment of the tree topology is if one parent is disable, the children of the disable parent cannot communicate with other devices in the network even they are close to each other.

 

 

Mesh Topology

The third and last topology is peer-to-peer or mesh topology. This topology consists of a coordinator, a few routers and an end devices. You can expand the network range by adding more devices into the network. If during the transmission one of the path is fail, the node will find the alternate path to reach to the destination therefore eliminating dead zones. Using this mesh topology it is easier for user to add or remove the device because they can communicate with any destination device in the network.

Feel free to contact E-SPIN for your Zigbee troubleshooting, as E-SPIN carry range of product in specific for wireless network performance application analysis, that include cover the Zigbee use case and context for whether your new Zigbee support device testing.