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Difference between BlueTooth and Zigbee
Both Bluetooth and ZigBee are wireless technologies that are widely used to send and receive data wirelessly using radio signals. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that is used to connect devices in short range, whereas ZigBee is wireless technology standard for personal area networks that uses low-power digital radio waves.
Go through this article to find out more about the features of Bluetooth and ZigBee and how they are different from each other.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth was created under the IEEE 802.15.1 standard, which is used for wireless communication via radio transmissions. Bluetooth was first introduced in 1994 as a wireless replacement for RS-232 connections.
Bluetooth connects a wide range of devices and establishes personal networks in the unlicensed 2.4 GHz spectrum. The device class determines the operating range. Many digital gadgets, such as MP3 players, mobile and peripheral devices, and personal computers, use Bluetooth.
Unlike previous wireless technologies, Bluetooth provides high-level services such as file pushing, voice transmission, and serial line emulation to its network and devices.
A scattered ad-hoc topology is the name given to the Bluetooth topology. It defines a Piconet, a small cell that consists of a group of devices connected in an ad-hoc manner.
Bluetooth ensures data security and privacy when in use. It employs a 128-bit random number, a device's 48-bit MAC address, and two keys: authentication (128 bits) and encryption (256 bits) (8 to 128 bits). Non-secure, service level, and linklevel are the three modes of operation.
Advantages of Using Bluetooth
Wireless − One of the advantages of Bluetooth is that it transmits data without the use of any cables. You may send and receive files without having to worry about wires with this method. Wireless Bluetooth technology is also used in a variety of different applications. Personal security systems, finding devices, and health monitoring are examples of such uses.
Availability −Bluetooth is now a standard function on most gadgets, including smartphones and tablets.
Usability −Because of its ease of use, Bluetooth can be used by even the most inexperienced user. The Bluetooth pairing process is pretty simple. There is no need to install any software or drivers.
Efficiency −Bluetooth is energy efficient which results in minimal power consumption. This is usually due to the Bluetooth low-power signals.
Disadvantages of Using Bluetooth
Speed −Data transfer is relatively sluggish in all wireless methods. In the case of Bluetooth, this is especially true. The transmission rate of Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth 4.0 is 25 Mbps in general.
Range −A Bluetooth connection has a maximum range of 100 meters. Bluetooth has a limited range of communication (typically lower than a WiFi connection).
Safety and security −Even though Bluetooth has several security features, its security level is significantly lower because it utilizes radio frequencies. Bluetooth allows hackers to obtain your personal information quickly.
Reliability −Even though the majority of Bluetooth implementations follow the standard, there are still worries about Bluetooth compatibility. This is due to a variety of factors, including profiles, drivers, and versions.
What is ZigBee?
ZigBee is an open worldwide wireless technology standard for personal area networks that uses low-power digital radio waves. ZigBee is a wireless technology that uses the IEEE 802.15.4 specification to establish networks with low data transmission rates, energy efficiency, and secure networking. It's used in various applications, including building automation systems, HVAC management, and medical equipment.
ZigBee is intended to be easier to use and less expensive than existing personal network technologies like Bluetooth. ZigBee is a wireless network technology that is both inexpensive and energy-efficient. It uses a mesh network topology, which allows for excellent reliability and an acceptable range.
The ability to enable secure communications is one of ZigBee's defining qualities. This is achieved by employing 128-bit cryptographic keys. This system is built on symmetric keys, which means that a transaction's recipient and originator must have the same key. These keys are pre-installed, transmitted via a network-designated "trust center," or established directly between the trust center and the device.
When ZigBee is utilized in business or factory networks, security in a personal area network is critical.
Comparison between Bluetooth and ZigBee
The following table highlights the major differences between Bluetooth and ZigBee −
| Key | Bluetooth | ZigBee |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Bluetooth frequency ranges between 2.4 GHz to 2.483 GHz. | ZigBee frequency range is mostly 2.4 GHz. |
| Network Range | Bluetooth has a network range of 1 to 100 meters and a maximum network speed of 250 megabits per second. | ZigBee has a network range of up to 70 meters and a maximum network speed of 1 megabit per second. |
| RF Channel | Bluetooth has 79 RF Channels. | ZigBee has 16 RF Channels. |
| Modulation Technique | Bluetooth uses GFSK modulation technique. | ZigBee uses GFSK, BPSK and QPSK modulation techniques. |
| Cell Nodes | Bluetooth has maximum 8 cell nodes. | ZigBee also has more than 65000 cell nodes. |
| Bandwidth | Bluetooth needs low bandwidth. | ZigBee needs low bandwidth but higher than Bluetooth. |
| IEEE | Bluetooth follows IEEE 802.15.1. | ZigBee follows IEEE 802.15.4. |
| Coverage | Bluetooth radio signal range is up to 10 meters. | ZigBee radio signal range is up to 100 meters. |
| Power | Bluetooth batteries are rechargeable. | ZigBee batteries are not rechargeable, but they last longer. |
Conclusion
In this article, we highlighted the important differences between Bluetooth and ZigBee. Bluetooth is widely used to connect wireless devices in a short range. ZigBee too is a wireless technology standard for personal area networks but it is energy efficient as it uses low-power digital radio waves.
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