ZigBee is an open global standard for wireless technology designed to use low-power digital radio signals for personal area networks. ZigBee operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 specification and is used to create networks that require a low data transfer rate, energy efficiency and secure networking. It is employed in a number of applications such as building automation systems, heating and cooling control and in medical devices.

The characteristics of Zigbee are:

• Bi-directional communication
• Low energy consumption
• Low range (15-20 meter)
• Low data transfer rate
• Secure network

ZigBee is designed to be simpler and less expensive than other personal are network technologies such as Bluetooth. ZigBee is a cost- and energy-efficient wireless network standard. It employs mesh network topology, allowing it provide high reliability and a reasonable range. One of ZigBee’s defining features is the secure communications it is able to provide. This is accomplished through the use of 128-bit cryptographic keys.

Zigbee is managed by the Zigbee Alliance, in which a lot of smart home manufacturers gather to evolve the standard. As it’s made specifically for smart home, Zigbee offers some advantages over Wi-Fi or other wireless technologies for home automation.