Moving Beyond Zigbee® for Star Networks

The paper details the data flow through a network, and how most networks that are point-to-multipoint (or multipoint-to-point, depending on the perspective) form a star topology. This star topology has limited range, and requires wireless connectivity. The limited range is addressed through incorporating wireless modules into a multi-hop mesh routing network.

An examination is made of how adding more routers to increase connectivity produces drawbacks such as increasing overall system cost and adding to the overall latency of the system due to the node possessing a single transceiver that prevents it from transmitting and receiving at the same time. Source routing is also an issue, as it can reduce the amount of route requests that are required, but adds additional overhead to the data packets sent across the air by including each of the hops’ network addresses in the packet.

The paper then discusses possible solutions and provides a model comparison of some of the key attributes of a Laird Technologies LT2510 100 mW transceiver versus a typical Zigbee 10 mW transceiver. As star networks present unique challenges, they can benefit from a simpler, more effective solution. Identifying the key requirements and selecting a wireless solution which is optimized for star networks can reduce the time to market and also provide for a more robust design.

Laird Technologies is active in the wireless M2M market, offering the widest range of high-performance wireless modules utilizing Bluetooth technology, as well as integrated antennas and electronic components. The company’s broad selection of M2M products provides solutions for the automotive, telematics, healthcare, EPOS, retail, finance, and security, as well as asset management markets.