Comparison of transparent and API modes

XBee devices can use transparent or API operating mode to transmit data over the serial interface. You can use a mixture of devices running API mode and transparent mode in a network. The following table provides a comparison of the two modes.

Transparent operating mode API operating mode

When to use:

  • Conditions for using API mode do not apply.

When to use:

  • Sends wireless data to multiple destinations.

  • Configures remote XBee devices in the network.
  • Receives wireless data packets from multiple XBee devices, and the application needs to identify which devices send each packet.
  • Receives I/O samples from remote XBee devices.
  • Must support multiple endpoints, clusters, and/or profiles (for Zigbee modules).
  • Uses Zigbee Device Object (ZDO) services (for Zigbee modules).

Advantages:

  • Provides a simple interface that makes it easy to get started with XBee devices.
  • Easy for an application to support; what you send is exactly what other modules get, and vice versa.
  • Works very well for two-way communication between XBee devices.

Advantages:

  • Can set or read the configuration of remote XBee devices in the network.
  • Can transmit data to one or multiple destinations; this is much faster than transparent mode where the configuration must be updated to establish a new destination.
  • Received data includes the sender's address.
  • Received data includes transmission details and reasons for success or failure.
  • Several advanced features, such as advanced networking diagnostics, and firmware upgrades.

Disadvantages:

  • Cannot set or read the configuration of remote XBee devices in the network.
  • Must first update the configuration to establish a new destination and transmit data.
  • Cannot identify the source of received data, as it does not include the sender's address.
  • Received data does not include transmission details or the reasons for success or failure.
  • Does not offer the advanced features of API mode, including advanced networking diagnostics, and firmware upgrades.

Disadvantages:

  • Interface is more complex; data is structured in packets with a specific format.
  • More difficult to support; transmissions are structured in packets that need to be parsed (to get data) or created (to transmit data).
  • Sent data and received data are not identical; received packets include some control data and extra information.