How to Buy a ZigBee Router
A ZigBee Router is not a standard wireless network distributor. Getting into ZigBee requires more in-depth knowledge about new technology. Likewise, ZigBee is not a company but a group of companies that has created a system enabling wireless networks that work over radio frequencies, usually to send signals between small, single-use appliances. ZigBee is mainly used in industrial technology, but consumer-oriented products are coming onto the market for those with a lot of savvy.
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Instructions
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Understand the philosophy of a ZigBee system. Again, the main use is to enable signals from any small device (for instance, the patient tracking devices used in hospitals). Your router, then, acts as a main relay point of these small bits of data over a possibly wide array of devices.
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Consider how the ZigBee technology can fit into your existing system or how you can use it to create a new system. Make sure ZigBee technology supports your ideas by reading up on Zigbee. Many companies or other agencies have ZigBee descriptions posted online to inform you about how the technology works.
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Browse the pages of companies like Ember and Silicon Labs that offer ZigBee products. Read over the product lists to see if the ZigBee technology that you want is currently available. As more and more consumer-oriented ZigBee products appear, you might find something closer to what you can integrate into a network.
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Browse development kits. Some of these companies offer ZigBee "kits" with a number of components. A "router" is not specifically mentioned on many kits, but it is necessary for a holistic system. Get more information to see how the router component fits in to one of these kits.
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Ask for a technology watch. Some companies may be able to send you information as new products emerge. As more products enter the market, there may be confusion about what roles they play in the ZigBee system. The best way to be an informed customer is to communicate with the companies to be on top of any new developments.
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Tips & Warnings
Another place to get ZigBee certified products is on the website of the ZigBee alliance. This organization is responsible for developing ZigBee compatibility systems, so this is the place to find products or new information.
