Moving Beyond Zigbee for Star Networks

Multi-hop mesh protocols, such as Zigbee, are getting a lot of press for their ability to link together low data-rate Machine-to-Machine (M2M) applications. Zigbee, in particular, is targeting itself as the standard bearer for wireless, low-power meshing protocols. Many of the features of a Zigbee solution touch on the requirements for expanding wireless M2M markets. Low data rate, low power, enhanced range through the mesh and automated on-demand routing of packet data are the key aspects of Zigbee which are responsible for creating such a buzz in the M2M market space.