router for range extension, which modules to use

XBee & XBee Gateway XBee - Zigbee
1

Hi,

since I am not sure which modules to go with (XBee 802.15.4, DIGIMESH, ZNET or ZB) I try in this forum.

My project consists of 4 XBee sensor modules with mainly analog input (load cells), a repeater (router) with XBee PRO and a receiving PC with XBee PRO for data collection. The repeater with the additional XBee PRO module and stronger batteries is needed for range extension. This is because of the sensor modules have to be very small and with little weight (attachment 1). ZigBee compatibility is not required.

My first tests with XBee and XBee-PRO 802.15.4 Vers. 10CD have been very promising but then I figured out that routing is not supported. Is this correct?

Then I tried to go with DIGIMESH 2.4 firmware on XBee-PRO to use it as a router. Pretty soon it became obvious that this configuration will not work. If all devices are loaded with the currently available DIGIMESH FW then I have no support for analog (ADC) input. Is there a DIGIMESH FW with ADC function as announced here http://www.digi.com/support/forum/viewthread_thread,203#742
already available and would it work for my project?

If I can’t get my configuration working with XBee DIGIMESH do I then have to switch to series 2 and would it work with these modules?

Which one should I use:
XBee ZNet 2.5, XBee-PRO ZNet 2.5 (isn’t this legacy)
or
XBee ZB ZigBee, XBee-PRO ZB ZigBee?

What should the configuration be, A or B? (attachment 2)

Your help would be very much appreciated

Jugi

2

Q: “My first tests with XBee and XBee-PRO 802.15.4 Vers. 10CD have been very promising but then I figured out that routing is not supported. Is this correct?”

A: This is correct. 802.15.4 is a point-to-multipoint protocol, and therefore doesn’t have routers.

Q: “Is there a DIGIMESH FW with ADC function as announced here http://www.digi.com/support/forum/viewthread_thread,203#742
already available and would it work for my project?”

A: Yes, this should be available when 8x4B firmware is released. I’m not sure what the timeline on that release is, but it should be released very shortly.

Q: “If I can’t get my configuration working with XBee DIGIMESH do I then have to switch to series 2 and would it work with these modules? Which one should I use?”

A: Yes, the ZNet 2.5 firmware is considered “legacy” now, so if you want Zigbee mesh, you should order or convert to ZB modules/firmware.

As far as the two models in the attachment 2 pdf, you’d want to go with A, but the module attached to the laptop would typically be your Coordinator.