ZigBee

ZigBee is a global wireless mesh networking technology based on the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 standard. Consumer applications include electronics, smart meter infrastructure, home automation and machine-to-machine automation. The technology can be used in several topologies, such as point-to-point or simple mesh. Battery life and low cost — a chip costs $1 to $2; $2 to $4 (with a controller required for most applications) — are prime concerns about the technology, and ZigBee’s targeted battery life and data rates differentiate it from Wi-Fi.