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2.3.2.5 Wireless Platforms

In addition to the themes discussed earlier, there are a collection of other wireless networking
platforms that are relevant.
ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4)

ZigBee got its name from the way bees “zig and zag” while tracking between flowers and relaying
information to other bees about where to find nectar resources. ZigBee is a new global standard for
wireless connectivity, focusing on standardizing and enabling interoperability of products. It is a
communications standard that provides a short‐range cost effective networking capability; it has
been developed with the emphasis on low‐cost battery powered applications.

ZigBee is built on the robust radio (PHY) and medium attachment control (MAC) communication
layers defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. In contrast to standards like Bluetooth and Wi‐Fi that
address mid to high data rates for voice, PC LANs, video, etc. ZigBee meets the unique needs of
sensors and control devices.

Sensors and controls don't need high bandwidth but they do need low latency and very low energy
consumption for long battery lives and for large device arrays.
It is now widely recognized that standards such as Bluetooth and WLAN are not suited for low power
applications, which is due to these standards' high node costs as well as complex and power
demanding RF‐ICs and protocols. With ZigBee, the case is different, it is the only standard that
specifically addresses the needs of wireless control and monitoring applications.

Future sensor networks will be characterized by a large number of nodes/sensors which necessitate
wireless solutions, very low system/node costs, they need to operate for years on inexpensive
batteries; this requires low power RF‐ICs and protocols, reliable and secure links between network
nodes, easy deployment and no need for high data rates. Future sensor networks is a topic which is
being discussed in ITU‐T and other standards developing organizations that address issues
surroundingM2M communications and IoT.

Table 2 – Wireless standard comparisons

258 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications