A Wireless sensor network is a system of sensors that monitor the physical conditions of an environment. The collected data is then sent to a central location. A wireless sensor network can be used to monitor a wide range of environmental conditions. For example, a wireless sensor network can monitor the humidity of a room, detect changes in temperature or measure motion.
ZigBee
There are several benefits of using a ZigBee wireless sensor network. Using a wireless network of sensors, a device can communicate with other wireless devices and transfer information to a PC. This technology allows for data acquisition and big data analysis. The ZigBee sensor protocol is especially useful for monitoring bridge safety.
The technology has wide-ranging applications in home appliances, automobiles, and medical devices. It can also be used in computer peripherals and in remote keyless entry systems. ZigBee has a relatively low cost of development. In addition, it has the benefit of being compatible with IPv6.
Another benefit of using ZigBee wireless sensor networks is their low power consumption. The devices can operate for years on inexpensive batteries. The technology also offers secure networking. A ZigBee network uses symmetric encryption keys to secure data.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth wireless sensor is an electronic communication protocol between devices. This technology allows wireless sensors to communicate with other devices and tablets, without the need for a wired connection. Its benefits include consumer and mobile compatibility. In addition, Bluetooth allows for a secure connection and secure data exchange. Bluetooth technology is used in a variety of applications, including medical devices, smartphones, and smartwatches. It is fast, flexible, and convenient.
Bluetooth wireless sensor devices are small, battery powered, and can be retrofitted into existing systems. They can be installed in difficult-to-reach places and are able to communicate over long distances. The sensor range can be up to 1.4 km. They also have long-term battery life, which allows them to be used in remote environments without mains power.
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology standard that uses short-wave UHF radio waves to form a personal area network (PAN). Bluetooth devices are typically used to control home automation systems over the internet. Bluetooth wireless sensors transfer control signals and data between two devices. Different Bluetooth profiles are available for different applications.
ZigBee + ZigBee + Bluetooth
There are several advantages to combining ZigBee with Bluetooth. These wireless sensor networks are easy to install and use. Both zigbee and Bluetooth use the same radio frequency, and can communicate over a long distance. Bluetooth is more convenient for mobile devices and doesn’t suffer from interference, while ZigBee is more secure and is perfect for use in homes and offices.
Message transfer time is almost the same for both protocols. However, the maximum distance for Bluetooth and ZigBee modules has decreased to 45 meters. The main difference between the two standards is in the number of overlapping channels. Hence, a Bluetooth wireless sensor requires a longer distance, while a ZigBee sensor requires only a few milliseconds to join a network.
ZigBee wireless sensor networks can be structured as a simple star network, a reliable mesh network, or an extended mesh-tree network. Figure 4 illustrates the topology of three different ZigBee wireless sensor networks. The last two are used to build a wireless sensor network and an actor network. These networks can transfer environmental sensor data, control commands, and feedback, and connect intelligent spaces.
ZigBee + Bluetooth
ZigBee and Bluetooth wireless sensor networks are used to connect and communicate with devices in real-world environments. The two protocols differ in the data transfer rates and handshake time, two crucial parameters for a wide range of real-world applications. In this study, the two technologies were compared in a lab environment and on a real-world network. In both cases, the test equipment was based on Arduino Uno v3 development boards that allow the connection of Bluetooth and ZigBee communication modules. Both the Bluetooth and ZigBee communication modules were chosen for their low cost and availability.
Both networks use different modulation techniques to transmit data, with Bluetooth employing Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum, while ZigBee uses BPSK modulation. The two protocols are similar in terms of the network range, but they differ in their power consumption. Unlike Bluetooth, the data rate and battery life of a ZigBee sensor are lower. Furthermore, the two protocols are easy to integrate in a network. Both wireless sensors communicate with a controller, which sends data to and receives operating commands from devices.
