What Are the Differences Between DigiMesh and Zigbee Mesh?

Digi International Digi International
May 25, 2020

Mesh networking is a powerful way to route data over an RF network. Range is extended by allowing data to hop node to node and reliability and resiliency is increased by "self-healing," or the ability to create alternate paths when one node fails or a connection is lost.

One popular mesh networking protocol is Zigbee®, which is specifically designed for low-data rate, low-power applications. Digi offers several products based on the Zigbee protocol. Additionally, Digi offers a similar mesh protocol named DigiMesh® for those seeking a mesh protocol with fewer complexities.

Both Zigbee and DigiMesh offer unique advantages important to different applications. The following chart highlights these differences:

  Zigbee® Mesh DigiMesh®
Node types and their benefits Multiple: Coordinators, Routers, End Devices. End devices can sometimes be less expensive because of reduced functionality. Single: One homogeneous node type, with more flexibility to expand the network. DigiMesh simplifies network setup and reliability in environments where routers may come and go due to interference or damage.
Battery Deployed Networks Coordinators and routers must be mains powered All nodes are capable of battery operation and can sleep. No single point of failure associated with relying on a gateway or coordinator to maintain time synchronization.
Over-the-air firmware updates Yes Yes
Range Most Zigbee devices have range of less than 2 miles (3.2 km) for each hop. Available on XBee SX with range of up to 40+ miles for each hop.
Frame payload and throughput Up to 80 bytes. Up to 256 bytes, depending on product. Improves throughput for applications that send larger blocks of data.
Supported frequencies and RF data rates Predominantly 2.4 GHz (250 kbps) 900 MHz (up to 250 Kbps), 868 MHz, 2.4 GHz (up to 250 Kbps)
Security 128-bit AES encryption. Can lock down the network and prevent other nodes from joining. Both 128 and 256-bit AES encryption. Can lock down the network and prevent other nodes from joining.
Interoperability Potential for interoperability between vendors. DigiMesh
Interference tolerance Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). 900 MHz: Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). 2.4 GHz: Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).
Addressing Two layers. MAC address (64 bit) and Network address (16 bit). MAC address (64 bit) only.
Maintenance More sniffers and diagnostic tools available on market. Simpler addressing can help in diagnosing problems and setting up a network.

Learn more about the Digi XBee Ecosystem™.
 

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