CC2650STK: CC2650STK SensorTag End Device (ZED) and XBee modules (ZC and ZRs) - Create a mesh network

filippo n

Part Number: CC2650STK
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: Z-STACK

Hi,

I'm working with FW "zstack_home_1.2.2a".

Using only one coordinator (Xbee s2c module), I created a STAR NWK; up to 14 nodes CC2650STK. If I wanted to create a Mesh NWK in which I decide that, for example, 3 end-devices must connect to a router (ZR1) of the zigbee network and 3 others to another router (ZR2), how can I do? How should I modify parts of the fw?

thanks to everyone.

over 7 years ago

0 YiKai Chen over 7 years ago

Guru 735685 points

You have to put first 3 end-devices within radio coverage of ZR1 and out of radio coverage of other ZRs and ZC. For another 2 to join ZR2, you also need to put them within radio coverage of ZR2 and out of radio coverage of other ZRs and ZC.

0 filippo n over 7 years ago in reply to YiKai Chen

Expert 2340 points

So it's just a network coverage problem? there is no need to change FW or otherwise configure ZRs and ZC?
But...if for example I have 2 ZR and 20 ZED (CC2650STK) with the same network coverage, starting the zigbee NWK what happens, will they join randomly?

0 YiKai Chen over 7 years ago in reply to filippo n

Guru 735685 points

Zigbee mesh is controlled by Zigbee stack and application developer cannot manipulate it. I couldn't understand your second question, can you elaborate?

0 filippo n over 7 years ago in reply to YiKai Chen

Expert 2340 points

Ok ok. For the second question:
assuming to have:
- 1 Coord (ZC)
- 2 routers (ZRs)
- 20 ZED (CC2650STK)
and all are reachable (same room of 1 square meters).
By starting the zigbee network what happens, the ZEDs nodes will randomly join ZC or ZRs?

My problem is above all to use more than 14 sensor nodes (max limit of the modules XBee s2c (ZR or ZC)) and not a problem of reachability...

0 YiKai Chen over 7 years ago in reply to filippo n

Guru 735685 points

It depends on your configuration. If you only enable permit join on ZC, the devices would join ZC only. If you only enable permit join on ZR, the devices would join ZR. If you enable permit join on both ZC and ZR, the devices might join either one.

0 Sean M over 7 years ago in reply to filippo n

TI__Intellectual 2780 points

You may be able to limit the number of end devices that can join a certain ZR/ZC in the Xbee module (I'm not familiar with it). But YK is correct that Z-Stack handles the mesh network, and the application developer does not mess with who joins who.

Putting one device ZED in close proximity to a routing node compared to others will typically ensure that they join together, however, there is no guarantee.

It sounds like the way you're wanting your setup is against what mesh is meant for.

0 filippo n over 7 years ago in reply to YiKai Chen

Expert 2340 points

Ok, it's clear!...In my case ZR and ZC are set with NJ = 0xFF --> means that joining is permanently enabled!...

0 YiKai Chen over 7 years ago in reply to filippo n

Guru 735685 points

It’s recommended not to set forever permit join.

0 filippo n over 7 years ago in reply to YiKai Chen

Expert 2340 points

Ok, but in this case...if a ZED leaves the network (due to communication error or if we turn it off) when it is restored, ZC or ZR will not accept it in the network anymore or am I wrong?

0 YiKai Chen over 7 years ago in reply to filippo n

Guru 735685 points

If you enable NV_RESTORE, ZED should be able to rejoin in those cases.

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CC2650STK: CC2650STK SensorTag End Device (ZED) and XBee modules (ZC and ZRs) - Create a mesh network