ZigBee - hue
The name was derived from the bee's "zigzag dance", which is used to convey information.
It is used to create wireless networks with low data traffic such as to connect home automation, sensor networks or lighting technology with each other (keyword Internet of Things) with the aim of communicating, exchanging data and being controlled via it.
In order to realize this, a technology is needed that sets up its own network via radio, so that it can be used for home automation (Smart Home).
And that's where ZigBee comes in. It connects the different devices with each other over short distances, depending on the performance and structural environment, the radio range is between 10 and 20 meters, under ideal conditions it can be up to 100 meters.
There are many wireless communication options, such as WLAN or Bluetooth, but in contrast, ZigBee is characterized by energy efficiency, high flexibility and ease of use.
For battery powered devices, ZigBee is ideal because of its low power consumption and can communicate wirelessly for years in hard-to-reach locations without the need for frequent battery changes.
One of the manufacturers of ZigBee compatible devices is Philips Hue. Although usually more expensive than the competition, you get not only the best lighting quality but also a highly developed infrastructure. The lighting can not only be controlled via app and remote control, but also with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit.
NEW! Light controller for DALI, Enocean enables the communication of these three systems in a lighting system.
delivery time 5-10 Working days*
delivery time 3-5 Working days*
delivery time 3-5 Working days*
delivery time 3-5 Working days*
delivery time 3-5 Working days*
delivery time 1-3 Weeks*
delivery time 3-5 Working days*
How does ZigBee work?
The devices connect to each other either in a star, tree or meshed network scheme. The network manages the end devices autonomously.
With the star scheme, all devices communicate via a central node. However, this connection point is susceptible to collisions, which can disrupt or delay data transmission. In the tree structure, communication also starts from the central node and spreads hierarchically from the inner to the outer point, similar to the ramification of a tree crown.
The most reliable of these networks is the mesh network, as it sends data signals from any transmitter to any receiver, with each node acting as a router for the neighbouring points. Several data paths are always possible if one of the intermediaries fails.
Control
For the use of the ZigBee standard, a Smart Home center is required. For this you need a ZigBee Bridge, which acts as an interface between e.g. Smartphone and end devices. Users who prefer to control their home via HomeKit, Google Home or App, however, do not benefit much from Echo Plus. You should rather use ZigBee control centers from other manufacturers, e. g. EnOcean-hue-DALI Bridge.
There are also ZigBee-compatible remote controls with which, for example, lamps or thermostats can be conveniently controlled from the sofa. (e.g. the ZigBee remote control from PUR-LED)
