Zigbee gateway has emerged as an innovation that is one of the key components supporting communication between various smart devices in the smart home ecosystem.
But are you familiar with Zigbee gateway? Let’s find out what the gateway actually is, how it works, and why it is so important.
This article will answer questions related to Zigbee gateway and discuss the functions of this technology for your smart home ecosystem.
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Table of Contents
What is Zigbee Gateway?
A Zigbee gateway is a device that acts as a bridge between Zigbee-based smart devices and your home WiFi network. This technology functions as a hub that allows Zigbee devices, such as smart lights, temperature sensors, switches, and security devices, to communicate with each other.
These devices can be connected to a smartphone app via the Zigbee gateway, allowing you to control them remotely.
Zigbee itself is a wireless communication protocol specifically designed to support IoT (Internet of Things) devices with low data rates, low power consumption, and stable network coverage.
The Zigbee protocol is translated by the gateway device into other communication protocols such as Wi-Fi and centralizes control for all connected Zigbee devices.
How the Zigbee Gateway Works
The Zigbee gateway works by connecting devices, synchronizing with applications, and forming a stable and efficient network. Here is a more detailed description of how it works:
- Zigbee devices are connected: The gateway will detect Zigbee devices in your home and connect them to the network.
- Synchronization with smartphone applications: Smart devices that are connected to the Zigbee network will be synchronized with the control application on your smartphone via WiFi or LAN.
- Forming a mesh network: The gateway acts as the main control center that connects Zigbee devices to each other in a mesh network.
- Data sent to the cloud: Data from Zigbee devices is sent by the gateway to the cloud.
- Remote control: After that, you can control Zigbee smart devices remotely via the app.
Function of Zigbee Gateway
Connecting to different networks
The main function of a Zigbee gateway is to act as an intermediary to connect Zigbee to other networks. In this case, it connects Zigbee to a WiFi network and vice versa.
This allows devices that do not have a WiFi connection, such as door sensors or Zigbee lights, to connect to your smart home network. Without a gateway, Zigbee devices that are not connected to WiFi cannot be connected and controlled from a single application on a smartphone.
Centralized control
As we already know, the gateway acts as a central hub. This means that all Zigbee devices can be managed from a single smartphone app. Through the app, you can control, schedule, or monitor the status of smart devices. All of this can be done in real-time, even when you are away from home.
Forming a mesh network
The Zigbee gateway works by forming a mesh network. This network allows devices to connect to each other and strengthen each other’s signals. This improves signal coverage and connection stability.
This network is ideal for large homes or homes with many rooms. This is because devices will pick up signals from nearby devices when a device’s connection is lost.
Connecting to virtual assistants
In addition to acting as a bridge between WiFi networks and Zigbee devices, the gateway also functions as a bridge between devices and voice assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This allows you to control smart devices with just voice commands.
You can also create complex automation scenarios, for example, by commanding “Turn off all lights when I go to sleep and set the AC temperature to 18 degrees.” The lights will automatically turn off, and the AC will turn on at the temperature you requested without the need for manual control.
Storing automation locally
Another function of this gateway device is to perform automation locally. This function is not yet available on all devices, but it is available on some of the latest devices. With local scenario automation, commands will continue to run even if the internet connection is down.
This is certainly very useful, especially when you are experiencing internet problems. The stored automation can run as it should until you can reconnect to the internet.
How to Choose a Zigbee Gateway for Smart Home Devices
To choose your Zigbee gateway, you need to consider several things to get the best performance. Here are the factors to consider:
- Choose a wired gateway: Ethernet cable networks are generally more stable.
- Make sure the gateway is compatible: Choose a gateway that is compatible with the smart devices you use.
- Choose a large capacity: This is to accommodate future expansion.
- Choose one with Power over Ethernet (PoE): To keep your smart home online during power outages.
- Ensure Zigbee is standardized: Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA) standard and IEEE 802.15.4 radio specifications.
That is the definition of a Zigbee Gateway, how it works, and its functions. Now you can consider this technology as an option for those of you who want to build a smart home ecosystem with many IoT devices.
You need to choose a wired gateway that is compatible with other devices, has a large capacity, and is PoE-enabled. That way, you will get a gateway with optimal performance.
In addition, make sure that the gateway is ZHA standard, IEEE 802.15.4, and RF certified. These certifications will ensure that your device meets the standards and is safe to use.
