ZigBee technology is “specifically designed for large networks...

Wednesday. “Solutions built on Bluetooth still suffer from the inherent limitations of Bluetooth networks, such limitations as range and the number of active devices on a network,” the alliance said. “The so-called ‘mesh’ of CSR uses flooding where every device simply re-broadcasts,” it said. “This will have significant performance implications in large networks. True mesh networks like ZigBee mean reliable and robust networks with devices routing operations only when required to target devices, saving energy and reducing network traffic.” The CSR product does not “standardize the definitions” of bulbs, fixtures and switches, the alliance said, “which means problems for multi-vendor interoperability.” By comparison, ZigBee “standardizes both network and application layers,” it said. “Everything from joining a network” to operating a device, including turning it on or off, is “defined so devices from different vendors can work together seamlessly,” it said. The Connected Lighting Alliance, comprising almost all the major global lighting vendors, “has endorsed ZigBee Light Link as the preferred standard for residential lighting applications,” it said. “This decision represents the first time an alliance of leading lighting companies has unanimously endorsed a common open standard for wireless lighting solutions.” Moreover, recent announcements by industry leaders, such as GE, Osram, Philips and others, “demonstrate the growing dominance of ZigBee for connected lighting,” it said.