Wireless sensor networks looking to Zigbee Alliance

1
Wireless sensor networks looking to Zigbee
Alliance

• By Bryon Gloden, Murat Senel, and Waseem Sheikh

2
What is a sensor?

• Small, autonomous computers, containing
• sensors that allow data acquisition
• computer that allows data processing
• radio that allows data communication
• Battery operated
• Ability to self-organize into ad hoc networks
• Programmable, running TinyOS
• http//www.tinyos.net
• Example PicoRadio, 2 AA bateries, 40 Kbps RFM TR
  100, Detachable sensor boards temperature,
  photo, microphone,
• Applications include civil and military

3
What is ZigBee?

• ZigBee
• Technology that addresses the market needs for
  cost-effective wireless networking solutions
  based on IEEE 802.15.4 standard
• IEEE 802.15.4
• Wireless MAC and PHY specifications for low-rate
  wireless personal area networks (LR-WPANs)
• Ultra-low complexity, ultra-low cost, ultra-low
  power consumption, and low data rate (20-250
  kb/s) wireless connectivity among inexpensive
  devices
• Lower power, lower cost than other WPANs (e.g.
  Bluetooth)
• ZigBee Alliance
• Non-profit industry consortium defining a global
  specification for reliable, cost-effective, low
  power wireless applications based on the IEEE
  802.15.4 standard.
• Six promoters (Honeywell, Invensys, Mitsubishi,
  Motorola, Philips, and Samsung) and more than 80
  participants

4
Article Summary

• Planned certification program to assure sensors
  meet specifications, interoperability and
  manageability.
• RTM fourth quarter of 2004.
• Low cost of sensors will likely make them a more
  favorable option over other WPAN technologies.

5
Article Strengths and weaknesses

• Strong Points
• Interoperation compatibility
• Gives practical applications of sensor networks
• Advantages of Zigbee over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Real-time data analysis
• Advantages of Zigbee tags over passive RFID
• Scalability issues
• Weak Points
• Lack of specifications, such as, modulation
  scheme, power level, medium access
• Security issues
• Cost of Zigbee chipset
• Passive/active RFIDs