Zigbee is a low-power, low-data-rate wireless protocol built on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, mostly using the 2.4 GHz band. Devices form a mesh network in which mains-powered nodes relay messages for others.
Why it matters
Zigbee devices such as motion sensors and door contacts can run for a long time on a small battery because they transmit tiny messages and sleep most of the time. A coordinator (a hub or USB stick) forms the network and manages it, while router devices, usually plugged-in bulbs and plugs, extend the range. End devices that run on batteries do not route traffic.
Zigbee shares the 2.4 GHz band with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so poor channel choice can cause interference. A Zigbee channel close to a busy Wi-Fi channel may be unreliable.
Example
A typical home might use Zigbee channel 25 to avoid the most common Wi-Fi channels 1, 6, and 11. A weak battery sensor in a far room can still reach the hub by hopping through a smart plug in the hallway.
Common mistakes
- Having too few mains-powered routers, which leaves devices with weak links.
- Assuming all Zigbee devices work with all hubs; profiles and quirks differ.
- Changing the coordinator without a backup, forcing every device to be paired again.
- Mixing it up with Thread, which also uses 802.15.4 but carries IP.
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