Low Power Communication Protocols: ZigBee, 6LoWPAN and ZigBee IP

Abstract

Sensors and other control devices with embedded processing capabilities require low power communication protocols with data rate in excess of what is achievable through Bluetooth and IR protocols. In this context, two main networking protocols, viz., ZigBee and 6LoWPAN have assumed significance. Both protocols use IEEE 802.15.4 standard for the physical layer. The network layer of 6LoWPAN is based on IPv6. It essentially defines a protocol that provides IP integration with power constrained wireless sensor networks. Therefore, machine to machine communication over the Internet became a reality. In contrast, the main features of ZigBee protocol are to support low duty cycle, low latency, secure point to multipoint data communication. The original ZigBee standards have been enhanced to ZigBee IP in 2013. Similarly, proposals like COAP and RPL have enhanced 6LoWPAN for better energy management. This chapter of the book gives a comprehensive coverage of these protocols.