Smart Box Communications

The Smart Box uses a wireless industry communication standard called ZigBee (IEEE 802.15). ZigBee is a high-level communication protocol used to create personal area networks and is designed for low-power communication, making it ideal for use in the Smart Box as we require low power consumption. (This is very important when creating wireless battery Smart Boxes).

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ZigBee Mesh Network

ZigBee uses a mesh network protocol that allows ZigBee devices to communicate with each other relaying information across a network of ZigBee devices. This allows the Smart Box to communicate across long distances by passing data through a mesh network of intermediate Smart Boxes to reach further distant Smart Boxes.

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Distance

The wireless communications distance between Smart Boxes with an internal aerial is from 60 meters depending on line of site and obstacles. Our engineers have extended the range of the Smart Boxes of up to 700 meters line of site; this is indicated by the larger external aerials available. Our engineers argue that they have achieved greater distances thus 700 meters is a conservative estimate. Using the Mesh network you can build system to communicate across huge distances like cities, industrial zones, lakes, farms, forests and remote locations.
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Wi-Fi/Ethernet/Mobile SIM

The Smart Boxes uses ZigBee to communicate back to a co-ordinator/logger and then you have 3 options available to communicate to the cloud through the internet; these are Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Mobile Data SIM Card. This allows you to choose the most cost effective means of communication. Wi-Fi or Ethernet is the most reliable and cost effective means of communications, but may not be available everywhere especially in remote locations, that is when the 3rd option using a Mobile Data SIM Card is very useful. In a lot of countries you can simple enter the address/post code (location) on mobile carriers web sites or 3rd party sites to discover the available coverage and then purchase the appropriate DATA SIM card, simply monitor and control anything from anywhere you get a mobile signal.

Why ZigBee?

ZigBee communication mesh network saves you a fortune compared to having a Mobile DATA SIM Card in each Smart Box. ZigBee is a very cost effective means to communicate with multiple devices and then sending all communication through logger with via Wi-Fi/ Ethernet/ Mobile SIM.

Data

ZigBee is aimed at low data rate applications that require long battery life and secure networking ideal for Smart Box Sensors, but it is not suitable for Video or Voice communication. If we were to create a Video or Voice Smart Box we would need to use a higher data rate communication like Wifi.

Security

The Smart Box is setup as a secure closed network and can be improved using Trust-Centre link keys. As the Smart Box system uses the industrial Zigbee standard, we can enhance your security further using 128 bit symmetric encryption keys on request. If you require further information on our security options please contact us.

Cost

This is where the Smart Boxes can save you a lot of money. The Wireless communications standard (Zigbee) defines accessibility and the cost of the Smart Box. The ZigBee specification is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other wireless personal area networks (WPANs), such as Bluetooth/Wi-Fi/Mobile.

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Cost & Savings