This FAQ provides some guidance for customers migrating from older Digi XBee technologies to newer models, answers some questions about DigiMesh vs. Zigbee, and provides some reference materials. Be sure to see our
updated blog post with a giant list of Digi XBee developer resources.
Where can I find tutorials or user manuals for Digi XCTU?
Can I use the newest version of XCTU on older versions of XTend RF Radios?
Yes, but certain features of XCTU may not work with older versions of XTend radios.
Does hardcoding PAN ID and Channel as used in DigiMesh modules have any disadvantage?
Hardcoding the PAN ID does not have any significant disadvantage, but note that some products require the use of multiple channels, and the channel range can be selected and configured as desired.
DigiMesh networks are configured by setting the PAN ID and operating channel, which enables simple network formation without an association mechanism. Zigbee uses an association process where routers and end devices receive the operating PAN ID and channel upon joining the network. One advantage of this system is that joining can be disabled.
For a network of 400 nodes with up and down communication, which is preferable: Zigbee or DigiMesh?
Both mesh protocols can work for this network if configured appropriately. DigiMesh is slightly easier to architect simply because there is no need to select different node types.
Can we use your gateway and connect it to our cloud?
Yes, this is an option for most Digi XBee modules.
Can out-of-the-box configuration items be modified via a broadcast or unicast in both Zigbee and DigiMesh?
Yes, Zigbee and DigiMesh nodes can be configured over-the-air.
What’s the range of XBee-PRO 900HP DigiMesh modules?
Range for the XBee-PRO 900HP is up to 9 miles with a high-gain antenna. This can be increased by adding additional hops to the network.
How should we set up two separate Zigbee networks for movable sensors across two buildings?
With Zigbee you would need a mechanism to instruct the module to leave the current network and attempt to join the other (e.g., a watchdog timer that checks for a coordinator and resets to join another network if none is found). Digi XBee Zigbee radios also support join verification that can reset network settings on power-up if no coordinator is found. DigiMesh could accomplish seamless movement by setting both networks with the same PAN ID and channel.
Any DigiMesh kits including Raspberry Pi projects?
We don’t have any Raspberry Pi projects in our current kits. However, there are plenty of RPi project examples on the web.
What comes in the kits that are on the screen?
Zigbee Mesh Kit:
- 3 XBee Grove Development Boards
- 3 XBee Zigbee Modules w/ PCB antenna
- 3 Micro USB cables
- 2 XBee stickers
900HP DigiMesh Kit:
- 3 XBee Grove Development Boards
- 3 XBee-PRO 900HP Modules for US/Canada
- 3 Micro-USB Cables
- 2 XBee Stickers
Do these modules require a Digi concentrator or cloud, or are they compatible with 3rd-party systems?
Digi gateways can be used with our Zigbee and 900HP DigiMesh modules to connect them to cloud-based applications. Zigbee modules can also be used with 3rd-party gateways, though compatibility can vary depending on the 3rd-party implementation. Customers needing an IP gateway are advised to use Digi gateways.
When addressing a Zigbee node, must I use both the 64-bit and 16-bit addresses?
Frames may be addressed using either the extended (64-bit) or the network address (16-bit). If the extended address is used, set the network address to 0xFFFE (unknown). If the network address is used, set the extended address to 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF (unknown).
If an invalid 16-bit address is used and the 64-bit address is unknown, delivery status is 0x21 (network ack failure) with discovery status 0x00. If a non-existent 64-bit address is used and the 16-bit is unknown, address discovery is attempted; delivery status is 0x24 (address not found) with discovery status 0x01.
What relative humidity or IP rating can the raw PCAs operate in?
Does DigiMesh come with a cellular or satellite gateway?
Yes, available in the ConnectPort X4 and X4H.
Which Digi XBee modules can be used for global deployments?
Can Digi XCTU be used remotely?
Digi XCTU can configure locally connected nodes and remote nodes over-the-air. Digi Remote Manager® integrates with Digi XBee modems for remote configuration.
What’s the difference between the 900HP modem and the XTend modem?
They are similar in performance and functionality. The 900HP modem is less expensive and has slightly lower range than the XTend.
Which antennas are recommended to maximize transmission across water?
High-gain directional or omni antennas perform well across water and land. In both cases, higher antenna placement improves line-of-sight range.
What do you mean by complex deployment?
Large mesh networks are considered complex deployments. Zigbee networks can be slightly more complex than DigiMesh because node types must be defined for every node and a powered coordinator is required for proper operation.
Is there a notion of sustained broadcast rate (e.g., 9600 baud, 19200)? What is expected of a transmitting node in terms of backing off?
Each node that transmits a broadcast creates an entry in a local broadcast transmission table (8 entries, each persists ~8 seconds) to prevent endless retransmission. This yields an approximate once-per-second maximum sustained broadcast rate. System-generated broadcast events can also occur, so test carefully to estimate throughput in your network.
Zigbee nodes: What if a coordinator stops working?
The coordinator can be a point of failure for a Zigbee network.
Can Zigbee modules work like mesh?
Yes, Zigbee modules operate in mesh networks.
How do the modules differentiate between a line-of-sight and a reflected packet?
Multipath signals can create destructive interference when they arrive out of phase with a direct signal at the receiving antenna, resulting in fading or weakening of the received signal.
Is there a limit on the size of data that can be transmitted? Any recommendations for larger datasets?
In API mode there is a maximum payload size per API frame. The size varies by XBee version and can be queried with the NP command.
With unicast, will each node repeat packets, or do only nodes on the path retransmit?
Only modules involved in routing the data will retransmit the packet.
Which module do you recommend for smart street lighting? Can every lamp talk to each other?
We have intelligent street-lighting customers using both Zigbee and DigiMesh. In both network types, every lamp on the network can communicate with one another. Each technology has pros and cons; choice depends on requirements and preference.
What’s the advantage of directed broadcasting (defining a destination address)? Does it improve host data speed?
Directed broadcasting does not increase host data speed, but it simplifies addressing by targeting a specific module and reduces extraneous data delivered to host applications.
I got the Zigbee mesh kit and have an XBee shield for Arduino. Do I need anything else to get started?
Nope, you are ready to build your own Digi XBee-enabled prototype!
Can I compress/decompress data before/after Zigbee/DigiMesh transmission?
These Digi XBee radios are serial radios. Any binary data can be transmitted via an XBee radio. For example, a JPEG image (already compressed) can be transmitted.
Can I code the modules or must I use an external processor?
Digi offers programmable variants of both Zigbee and DigiMesh modules, which include an onboard 8-bit microprocessor for custom applications. In most cases, customers use their own external microprocessor with standard XBee modules.