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T HE O R Y OF O P E R A TI O N

E N G I N E E R ’ S T I P

16-bit Network Addresses.

In a ZigBee network, nodes are assigned a 16-bit NWK address according to how the network formed. By design, the Coordinator will always have a NWK address of 0x0000. The first Router to that associates with the Coordinator is assigned a NWK address of 0x0001. The second Router that associates with the Coordinator is assigned an address of 0x143E.

The 16-bit address is persistent through power loss and only resets when an NV Reset command is issued performed or NV Restore is disabled in EEPROM (EEPROM address 0x45, bit-3).

6 4 - b i t M A C a d d r e s s

The 64-bit MAC address consists of a 40-bit Organizationally Unique Identifier (OUI) and a 24-bit address programmed by the manufacturer. All ZB2430 transceivers have the same OUI of 0x00 0x00 0x00 0x50 0x67 which can be used to distinguish Aerocomm devices on a network but cannot be used to route packets throughout the network.

When a packet needs to be sent to a specific device through the network, the 16-bit network address must be used. In order to send data to a specific device in the network, the OEM can compile a table which lists the 64-bit MAC and the corresponding 16-bit Network address (see Table 3 below). The ZB2430’s built-in Discover IEEE Address and Discover Network Address commands allow the OEM to query the network and discover all available devices that respond within a fixed period.

T a b l e 3 : D e v i c e T a b l e E x a m p l e

Index

MAC Address (64-bit)

NWK Address (16-bit)

0

0x00 0x00 0x00 0x50 0x67 0x12 0x34 0x56

0x0000

 

 

 

1

0x00 0x00 0x00 0x50 0x67 0x16 0x45 0x34

0x0001

 

 

 

2

0x00 0x00 0x00 0x50 0x67 0x34 0x21 0x78

0x143E

 

 

 

M e s h R o u t i n g ( A O D V )

The ZigBee protocol uses the Ad-Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing algorithm. AODV allows nodes to pass messages through their neighbors to devices which they cannot communicate directly. This is done by discovering the routes along which messages can be passed using the shortest route possible.

Figure 4 below shows a typical ZigBee network. The circles surrounding the 4 nodes represent the Personal Operating Space (POS) of each node. Because of the limited range, each node can only communicate with the neighboring node(s) next to it. When a node needs to send a message to a node which is not a neighbor, it broadcasts a Route Request (RREQ) message containing the Source Destination Address, the Network Address of the Destination radio and a path cost metric.

In the example below, Node 0 needs to send a message to Node 3; however the two are not within communication range of each other. Node 0’s neighbors are Node 1 and Node 2. Since Node 0 cannot directly communicate with Node 3, it sends out a RREQ which is heard by Nodes 1 and 2 (see Figure 5: "ZigBee Route Request" on page 17).

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AeroComm ZB2430 manual I t M a C a d d r e s s, B l e 3 D e v i c e T a b l e E x a m p l e, S h R o u t i n g a O D
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ZB2430 specifications

The AeroComm ZB2430 is a highly regarded wireless module optimized for Zigbee applications, positioning itself as an ideal solution for connecting devices within the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. With its robust features, advanced technologies, and impressive characteristics, the ZB2430 stands out in the crowded market of low-power, low-data-rate communication devices.

One of the primary features of the AeroComm ZB2430 is its superior range and reliability. Designed to operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, the ZB2430 boasts a communication range of up to 1,200 feet line of sight in open environments. This enables seamless connectivity for devices across extensive areas, making it suitable for applications such as remote monitoring and smart home systems. The ZB2430 also employs advanced error correction and data packet acknowledgment techniques, ensuring that data is transmitted accurately and reliably, even in challenging conditions.

Another significant characteristic of the ZB2430 is its low power consumption. Designed for energy efficiency, this module allows devices to operate on battery power for extended periods, which is critical for applications like sensor networks and portable devices. With power-saving modes that can further extend battery life, the ZB2430 is ideal for applications where minimizing energy use is essential.

The ZB2430 also supports a variety of communication protocols, including point-to-point and mesh networking capabilities. The mesh networking feature allows devices to communicate with each other even when they are not within direct range, creating a highly scalable and resilient network. This is particularly beneficial in industrial automation and smart city applications, where reliable communication is paramount.

In terms of integration, the AeroComm ZB2430 is designed with ease of use in mind. It comes in a small form factor that can be easily incorporated into various devices, and it features a simple interface for developers. With its comprehensive documentation and support, developers can quickly implement and deploy Zigbee solutions.

In summary, the AeroComm ZB2430 is a powerful wireless module that excels in providing reliable, low-power, and scalable communication solutions for IoT applications. Its impressive range, energy efficiency, and support for mesh networking make it an attractive choice for developers looking to create innovative and robust wireless systems. Whether in home automation, industrial control, or smart city initiatives, the ZB2430 is poised to play a key role in the future of connected devices.
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