A quick guide to multi-standard mesh networking
Recent advances in wireless technology have enabled the use of mesh network topologies in home and building control applications. Low cost IoT technology is driving the launch of devices such as smart lighting systems, smart locks, smart thermostats, voice control products, smart alarms, garage door openers, smart fan control, smart plugs and many more.
Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) are an ideal solution for these types of applications, offering cable-free, low-power and low-cost methods of connecting multiple devices within an area, such as a large single floor, multi-floor dwelling or office. The emergence of WMN protocols such as Zigbee, Thread and, more recently, Bluetooth, have further enhanced the appeal of WMNs, by simplifying the configuration and management of WMNs.
Wireless mesh networking
In a mesh topology the network nodes connect directly to as many other nodes as possible, cooperating with one another to route data across the network. This topology allows the creation of very large networks of interconnected, low-power devices and also has the advantage of being “self-healing” due to the multiple possible paths that data can take through the mesh. The exact functionality of the network nodes varies depending on the specific WMN (as shown in the table below) protocol but a node can either function as a network routing element, receiving and transmitting data bound for another node, an end-point device, such as a sensor, or a combination of both. A WMN will also include at least one gateway device, enabling connectivity beyond the mesh, e.g. for internet “backhaul”.
| Bluetooth Mesh | Zigbee | Thread | |
| Established | 2017 | 2002 | 2015 |
| Mesh type | Flooded mesh | Routed mesh | Routed mesh |
| Network size (theoretical limit) | 32768 addressable elements. No limits on relay nodes | Up to 65,000 | 1 leader, 32 routers, 511 per router end device |
| Security | Confidentiality, authentication and key derivation | AES encryption, cipher block chaining message authentication code | Banking-class, public-key cryptography |
| Area | Good for sensor networks, better for control; networks | Better for sensor networks / control networks | Better for sensor networks / control networks |
| Application focus | Lighting, home automation | Lighting, home automation, metering | Commercial, industrial |
| Bandwidth | 1Mbps | 250kbps | 250kbps |
| Payload size limit | 251 Bytes | 80 Bytes | 1kB default, up to 64kB |
| Radio | Bluetooth LE v4.0 (IEEE802.15.1), 2.4GHz | IEEE802.15.4 PHY, 2.4GHz, 915MHz and 868MHz | IEEE802.15.4 PHY, 2.4GHz |
| Power consumption | Battery current <15mA | Battery current 10-30mA | Battery current 10-30mA |
| Distance | Approximately 10 to 100m | Up to 300+m (line of sight) | 20 to 30m |
Comparison of Bluetooth Mesh/Zigbee/Thread
WMN protocols
Four main WMN protocols have emerged in recent years - Z-Wave, Zigbee, Thread, (based on 6LoWPAN) and, most recently, Bluetooth mesh. Each protocol has its own characteristics, such as maximum network size, throughput and latency, but all four support the creation of low-power, low-data networks and are ideal for home and building automation applications.
Zigbee, the most established, has the largest eco-system, including manufacturers such as Amazon Echo Plus, Philips Hue, Comcast Xfinity, IKEA and Samsung SmartThings. Thread’s legacy, based on its reputation for enhanced security levels, is in the industrial sector but, backed by Google, (through Nest Labs), and with organisations such as Apple joining the eco-system, the popularity of the protocol is set to grow.
As each protocol evolves, however, the performance differences between them are likely to decrease; Bluetooth mesh in particular is likely to quickly gain support due to the overwhelming number of manufacturers and devices using previous versions for classic point-to-point applications.
WMN application design considerations
One of the most important factors to be considered when choosing a protocol for an application is the eco-system. Based on its maturity and popularity, Zigbee has the most devices using the protocol, with a large library of pre-developed software available. Bluetooth’s eco-system, on the other hand, is potentially huge, due to its ubiquitous use in smart-phones, tablets, etc., and more and more Bluetooth mesh network applications are being developed. Bluetooth also has the benefit of being easier to scale for large networks.
Out of the three protocols, Thread is the only one based on IPv6, providing unique benefits, such as end-to-end routing and addressability on the same or across networks, without the need for additional translation layers to be implemented.
Other factors to consider include maximum network size, throughputs and latencies. Comparative studies show that all three perform similarly in small networks under small payloads with Bluetooth lagging the other two as payload and throughput needs increase. Whilst latency for all three protocols increases with network size, Bluetooth mesh latency increases the most.
A growing number of multi-protocol WMN modules is appearing on the market which brings inter-operability advantages and also enables network devices to combine functionality, such as the networking characteristics of Zigbee with the beaconing and direct control functionality of Bluetooth.
Taiyo Yuden EYSKBNZWB BLE wireless module
The Taiyo Yuden EYSKBNZWB, shown right, is an example of such a multi-protocol device, capable of running the Bluetooth 5.0 and 802.15.4 stacks concurrently, supporting Bluetooth as well as Zigbee or Thread and enabling interoperability between protocols. By acting as a gateway, the EYSKBNZWB enables newer devices running Bluetooth to be added to existing networks based on Zigbee or Thread. This gateway functionality simplifies the extension or upgrading of existing home or building networks as new devices and applications can easily be added without having to replace existing networks. The module also provides valuable end-user benefits by enabling smart phones to interact directly with network devices such as light bulbs, without the need for a multi-standard gateway. NFC is also supported by the EYSKBNZWB, which offers further pairing options as well as supporting applications such as smart locks.
The module is based on the Nordic nRF52840 chip and, as Nordic is the market leader in Bluetooth, application developers have access to an extensive library of pre-developed software. Although small, the EYSKBNZWB is a full spec Bluetooth 5.0 module with an onboard antenna and is unique in that it supports high data rates, up to 2Mbps, and long range, with output power up to +8dBm.
Summary
Three main WMN protocols have emerged as contenders for the smart home and building market, each with its own pros and cons, depending on the needs of the specific application. Multi-protocol modules such as the Taiyo Yuden EYSKBNZWB enable the developer to achieve inter-operability and also combine features of more than one protocol on a single device. Click here to request a sample and start testing your design.
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