Digi XBee 3 ZigBee User Manual

Zigbee networks Zigbee application layers: in depth
Digi XBee® 3 Zigbee® RF Module
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Zigbee application layers: in depth
The following topics provide a more in-depth look at the Zigbee application stack layers (APS, ZDO)
including a discussion on Zigbee endpoints, clusters, and profiles. Much of the material in these topics
discuss details of the Zigbee stack that are not required in many cases.
Read these topics if:
n The XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module may talk to non-Digi Zigbee devices.
n The XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module requires network management and discovery capabilities of the
ZDO layer.
n The XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module needs to operate in a public application profile (for example,
smart energy, home automation, and so on).
Skip these topics if:
n The XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module does not need to interoperate or talk to non-Digi Zigbee devices.
n The XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module simply needs to send data between devices.
Application Support Sublayer (APS)
The APS layer in Zigbee adds support for application profiles, cluster IDs, and endpoints.
Application profiles
Application profiles specify various device descriptions including required functionality for various
devices. The collection of device descriptions forms an application profile. Application profiles are
defined as Public or Private profiles. Private profiles are defined by a manufacturer whereas public
profiles are defined, developed, and maintained by the Zigbee Alliance. Each application profile has a
unique profile identifier assigned by the Zigbee Alliance.
Examples of public profiles include:
n Home automation
n Smart Energy
n Commercial building automation
For example, the Smart Energy profile defines various device types including an energy service portal,
load controller, thermostat, in-home display, and so on. The Smart Energy profile defines required
functionality for each device type. For example, a load controller must respond to a defined command
to turn a load on or off. By defining standard communication protocols and device functionality, public
profiles allow interoperable Zigbee solutions to be developed by independent manufacturers.
Digi XBee Zigbee firmware operates on a private profile called the Digi Drop-In Networking profile.
However, in many cases the XBee 3 Zigbee RF Module can use API mode to talk to devices in public
profiles or non-Digi private profiles. For more information, see API Operation.
Clusters
A cluster is an application message type defined within a profile. You can use clusters to specify a
unique function, service, or action. The following examples are some clusters defined in the home
automation profile:

Digi XBee 3 ZigBee Specifications

General

Brand	Digi
Model	XBee 3 ZigBee
Category	Control Unit
Language	English