ZigBee – Everything you need to know
Anyone interested in smart home technologies will inevitably come across the ZigBee wireless standard. But what exactly is behind this name, and how does this popular wireless technology work?
What is ZigBee?
ZigBee is an energy-efficient wireless protocol designed specifically for smart home and IoT devices. The ZigBee protocol is widely regarded as a wireless standard alternative to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in the IoT sector—especially for low-power devices that do not require high bandwidth.
With ZigBee, you can connect smart devices such as lamps, sockets, locks, radiator thermostats, and switches in your smart home network.
Why ZigBee?
ZigBee is the key to cross-manufacturer communication in the smart home. With ZigBee, you can use devices from a wide range of brands in a shared network.
This allows for maximum flexibility and future-proofing when choosing your smart home devices. Thanks to high interoperability, devices from different manufacturers can also communicate with each other—provided they support the current ZigBee 3.0 standard.
How does ZigBee work?
ZigBee devices are based on a central ZigBee hub (gateway) that is connected to the internet and controls all devices. The devices themselves communicate via a so-called mesh network. This means that each network-powered device not only receives signals, but also forwards them to other devices. This creates a stable and far-reaching network.
In addition, the coordinator, i.e. your ZigBee app, is connected to the gateway. This allows you to control your smart home devices from virtually anywhere.
Protocol and range
ZigBee works with the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol over 2.4 GHz. The wireless protocol was developed and ratified in 2003 specifically for low-cost, battery-powered devices. Unlike Wi-Fi, for example, ZigBee's indoor range is slightly shorter at 10-100 meters because it consumes less power. This allows battery-powered devices to operate for longer.
However, the shorter radio range is essentially irrelevant. The devices form a so-called mesh network. This means that each node relays the signal. This enables a range of several hundred meters.
Communication via mesh networks
Unlike Bluetooth, ZigBee does not rely on point-to-point communication, but communicates via a mesh network. Several devices take on the role of a ZigBee router or ZigBee repeater. This means that they not only send the signals back to the transmitter, but also repeat them and forward them to other devices in the vicinity. As a result, mesh networks have a greater range and higher reliability than conventional star networks.
Advantages of the mesh network
- Long range: ZigBee devices can transmit signals over several hundred meters.
- Reliability: If one device fails, the remaining devices forward the signal.
- Scalability: Up to 65,000 devices can be connected in a single ZigBee network.
Diversity for your smart home
ZigBee is supported by a broad alliance of manufacturers, including well-known brands such as:
- Philips Hue (smart lighting)
- IKEA TRÅDFRI (smart light bulbs and switches)
- Samsung SmartThings (compatible hubs and devices)
- Bosch and Osram / Ledvance (sensors and lights)
- Amazon Echo Plus (multi-purpose hub with voice control)
- Innr (smart lighting systems)
Important components for your ZigBee network
Setting up a ZigBee network for your smart home is simple and straightforward. You only need three types of products:
- ZigBee gateway (hub): This connects all ZigBee devices and the internet. You can choose between dedicated hubs, multi-purpose hubs, and bridges.
- Smartphone or tablet: With the appropriate app, you can conveniently control your network from anywhere.
- ZigBee-compatible end devices: These include smart lights, sockets, sensors, and more.
What is a ZigBee gateway (hub/bridge)?
A gateway (also known as a hub or bridge) is the control center of a smart home network, connecting all participating endpoints, the internet, and your ZigBee app via radio. You connect the gateway to the internet via cable or Wi-Fi.
Important: The terms gateway, hub, and bridge are used synonymously and refer to the same device.
You can choose between three different types:
- Special hubs
Devices such as the Samsung SmartThings Hub or IKEA Dirigera automate and control devices from as many brands as possible, but have no additional functions. They offer maximum compatibility with different manufacturers and usually support 100-200 devices. - Multi-purpose hubs
Devices such as the Amazon Echo (4th generation) automate and control devices while also performing another function, e.g., that of a smart speaker with Alexa integration. They are space-saving and offer good value for money. - Bridges
Brand-specific solutions such as the Philips Hue Bridge help products from a single brand or product type, e.g., a smart light bulb, connect to the internet and mobile devices. They offer the best integration with products from the respective manufacturer.
Smartphone or tablet
To control your smart devices, all you need is a mobile device with internet access: a smartphone or tablet.
Install the corresponding app that is connected to your hub, set up your ZigBee devices, and control them.
Tip: You can also control your devices or lighting systems using a remote control or voice assistant.
What are ZigBee devices?
ZigBee is supported by an alliance of companies that use the protocol in the development and manufacture of their products. There are currently more than 500 members, who together manufacture around 5,000 ZigBee-compatible products. ZigBee-certified products are designated by the ZigBee Alliance.
These include all major smart home players such as Samsung with its SmartThings product line, Amazon, Philips Hue, IKEA, Panasonic, Osram/Ledvance, Bosch, Miele, and many more.
Popular product categories
The product range is correspondingly broad and includes:
- Lighting: Light bulbs (E27, E14, GU10), LED strips, outdoor lighting, ceiling panels
- Switches & controls: Remote controls, wall switches, smart buttons
- Sensors: Motion detectors, door/window sensors, temperature sensors, water detectors
- Sockets & energy: smart plugs, some with energy measurement
- Heating & air conditioning: radiator thermostats, room thermostats for smart heating control
- Security: smoke detectors, sirens, smart door locks Blinds & shutters: roller shutter motors, curtain motors for automated shading
Note compatibility
Thanks to ZigBee 3.0 (since 2016), devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly in a shared network. This means you can combine IKEA lamps with Philips sensors and Aqara switches, all controlled via a single bridge.
Important: When purchasing, look for the “ZigBee 3.0” logo for guaranteed compatibility. Some systems, such as the Philips Hue Bridge, have restrictions on third-party devices and work best with officially certified “Friends of Hue” products.
The advantages of ZigBee
ZigBee offers users a cost-effective alternative to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies for setting up smart home networks. Some of the biggest advantages of ZigBee are:
- Energy efficiency: Due to its low energy consumption, the battery life of your devices with ZigBee is significantly longer than with Wi-Fi. This means you save energy and money with ZigBee. It also protects the environment, as you use smaller batteries that last longer.
- High compatibility: ZigBee allows devices from a wide range of manufacturers to be connected in a single network. Thanks to backward compatibility with older ZigBee products, these can also be connected and communicate with each other.
- Long range thanks to mesh network: Thanks to the mesh network, the ZigBee protocol offers a longer radio range and more stable coverage than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Each device is connected to another without hierarchy, so you can reach more connected devices without repeaters. This allows you to add an almost unlimited number of devices to your network.
- Thousands of nodes: ZigBee PRO 2015 technology supports up to 65,000 nodes within a single network. This allows you to extend the transmission range to a large area, a multi-story building, or a house with multiple residential units.
- Low data volume: Since ZigBee is optimized for small, fast data packets, wireless networks are relieved.
- Frequency: ZigBee operates on the globally license-free 2.4 GHz frequency, enabling global interoperability.
- Data rate: With a data rate of up to 250 Kbit/s, ZigBee is perfect for applications that do not require high bandwidth.
Tip: ZigBee is an ideal wireless standard for users with little technical expertise due to its simple installation and commissioning. Existing systems can be easily retrofitted, as ZigBee supports numerous actuators and sensors.
What is ZigBee 3.0?
ZigBee 3.0 is the current version of the ZigBee standard, which was introduced in 2016. It combines all previous ZigBee profiles under one roof, ensuring maximum compatibility between devices from different manufacturers. The most important difference to older versions Before ZigBee 3.0, there were several separate profiles that were not compatible with each other:
- ZigBee Light Link (ZLL) – developed for smart lighting (e.g., Philips Hue, Osram)
- ZigBee Home Automation (ZHA) – for sensors, switches, and thermostats
The problem: A Philips Hue gateway (ZLL) could not integrate ZHA sensors. Samsung SmartThings (ZHA) had problems with some lamps. Users often needed multiple gateways for different types of devices.
With ZigBee 3.0, everything speaks a common language. You can now combine an IKEA lamp with an Aqara sensor and a Tuya thermostat in a single gateway – everything works together seamlessly.
Things to consider when buying
Look for the “ZigBee 3.0” logo on the packaging. Modern devices support the standard, but some older systems still have limitations. The Philips Hue Bridge, for example, primarily works with officially certified “Friends of Hue” devices. For maximum manufacturer diversity, universal gateways such as Samsung SmartThings or IKEA Dirigera are better suited.
The main advantages of ZigBee 3.0
- Cross-manufacturer compatibility
The biggest advantage: you are no longer tied to one manufacturer. Mix and match different brands in one gateway – controlled via an app. - Easier pairing
ZigBee 3.0 introduces one-touch pairing: devices can be connected at the touch of a button. Previously, complicated procedures involving multiple switching on and off were often necessary. - Improved security
ZigBee 3.0 brings enhanced security: stronger encryption for critical devices such as locks and alarm systems, better protection against attacks, and mandatory security certification for all devices. - Green Power feature
A revolutionary feature: Green Power enables devices to operate completely without batteries. They harvest energy from their surroundings—such as kinetic energy from switches that generate electricity when pressed (e.g., Philips Hue Tap) or solar energy from sensors with miniature solar cells. - Future-proof thanks to Matter
ZigBee 3.0 is the basis for Matter, the new universal smart home standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Matter is built on ZigBee technology and promises complete interoperability between all smart home systems (Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, SmartThings). Many current ZigBee 3.0 devices will receive Matter updates, making your investment future-proof.
Is Zigbee secure?
ZigBee uses 128-bit AES encryption. This makes ZigBee just as secure as other wireless protocols.
Regular software updates and upgrades help to keep the system at the highest possible security level and fix security vulnerabilities.
To increase security, you can outsource your smart home network to a separate WLAN.
Questions?
Our lighting experts at WATT24 are happy to help if you have any questions about ZigBee, smart lighting solutions, or compatible products. Frequently asked questions:
- Which gateway suits my needs?
- Are product X and gateway Y compatible?
- How many devices do I need for complete coverage?
- Can I expand my existing system?
Don't hesitate to contact us. We offer free advice with no obligation!
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FAQ
What is ZigBee?
ZigBee is an energy-efficient wireless protocol for smart home devices. It uses a 2.4 GHz mesh network in which mains-powered devices relay signals to each other. This enables ZigBee to achieve long ranges of several hundred meters with minimal power consumption. Battery-powered sensors with ZigBee can last up to 5 years without needing a battery change.
How does ZigBee work?
ZigBee operates via a mesh network. Mains-powered devices such as lamps and sockets automatically forward signals, thereby extending the range. The network is controlled by a central gateway (hub) that is connected to the internet and enables control via an app.
What is a ZigBee gateway?
A ZigBee gateway (also known as a hub or bridge) is the central hub of your ZigBee smart home. It connects the ZigBee network to the internet and enables control via an app. There are three types: special hubs (e.g., Samsung SmartThings), multi-purpose hubs (e.g., Amazon Echo with ZigBee), and brand bridges (e.g., Philips Hue Bridge).
What are ZigBee devices?
ZigBee devices are smart home components that use the ZigBee wireless protocol. These include: light bulbs, switches and remote controls, sensors (motion, door/window, temperature), power outlets, radiator thermostats, smoke detectors, and roller shutter controls. Around 5,000 ZigBee-certified products from more than 500 manufacturers are available.
What is ZigBee 3.0?
ZigBee 3.0 is the current version of the ZigBee standard (since 2016), which combines all previous profiles into a single standard. The biggest advantage is that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly. ZigBee 3.0 also offers improved security, easier pairing, and green power (battery-free devices). It forms the basis for the upcoming Matter standard.