1. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a. ZigBee/MiWi
Day 1: What is ?
November 4, 2013
Fred Eady

2. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
AGENDA
Overview
Architecture
PHY (Physical Layer)
MAC (Medium Access Control)
Devices
Networks
Tools
First Contact

3. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
OVERVIEW
For use in Low Power/Low Data Rate Apps
Consists of Low Cost Hardware
Data Rate – Maximum of 250 kb/s
Peer-to-Peer or Star Network Topology
Short Range Communications
Reliable Data Delivery
868 MHz Operation in Europe
915 MHz Operation in the United States
2.4 GHz Operation World Wide

4. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
Architecture

5. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
PHY
Provides an Interface Between the MAC Layer and the Physical Radio Channel
Activates/Deactivates the Transceiver
Performs Channel Selection
Performs Energy and Signal Management
Provides Data Transmission Service
Provides Data Reception Service
Typically Implemented in Silicon

6. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
PHY

7. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
MAC
Provides an Interface to the Physical Layer
Manages Access to the Network
Provides Packet Validation
Supports Star and Peer-to-Peer Networks
Manages Association
Provides Acknowledged Frame Delivery
Manages Time Slots and Beacons

8. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
MAC

9. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
Devices
Full Function Device (FFD)
Normally Connected to Mains Power
Operates In Any Network Topology
Can Act as a Router
Can Act as a PAN Coordinator
Can Communicate With Any Node

10. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
Devices
Reduced Function Device (RFD)
Normally Powered by Batteries
Operates In Star Network Topology Only
Cannot Act as a Router
Cannot Act as a PAN Coordinator
Can Only Communicate with the Coordinator

11. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
STAR TOPOLOGY

12. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
PEER-to-PEER TOPOLOGY

13. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
CLUSTER-TREE TOPOLOGY

14. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
Tools
Microchip MRF24J40 Radio Utility Driver Program
Wireshark
EXEGIN Q51 ZigBee Transceiver
Microchip PICDEM Z Development Kit
Microchip REAL ICE

15. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi

16. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi

17. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi

18. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi

19. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
FIRST CONTACT
>>D
Please enter the packet you want to transmit.
Use all uppercase HEX values starting from the frame control (no length)
Press '=' when you are done.
>>0108C4FFFFFFFF E204E455753
Packet Transmission - Success
Returning to the main menu.

20. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi

21. Understanding 802.15.4, a.k.a ZigBee/MiWi
SPLASH 1!
Summary of Day 1 Topics:
MAC and PHY Architecture
The Capabilities of FFD and RFD Devices
The Available Network Topologies
How to Manually Assemble an Packet
How to Pull Traffic Out of the Air