Co-existence and interoperability

ZigBee is an open standard devised by the ZigBee Alliance. Any device designed for use in a ZigBee network must comply with the standard. This ensures “co-existence” and, to a certain extent, “interoperability” of ZigBee devices:

• Co-existence: The ability of a device to operate in the same space and radio channel as devices in other wireless networks (which possibly use protocols other than ZigBee) without interfering with them

• Interoperability: The ability of a device to operate in the same ZigBee network as devices from other manufacturers - that is, to communicate and function with them.

The ZigBee Alliance coordinates the compliance issues for products based on the ZigBee protocol. It defines two levels of compliance:

• ZigBee Compliant Platform (ZCP) applies to modules or platforms intended as building blocks for use in end-products. All NXP products based on the supported chips are designed to be ZigBee Compliant Platforms. Refer to the section Chip compatibility.

• ZigBee Certified Product applies to end-products that are built on ZigBee Compliant Platforms, and that use public ZigBee Alliance device types and clusters. After successful completion of the ZigBee Alliance Certification program, the ZigBee Certified Product logo can be applied to the product.

  Note: End-products based on manufacturer-specific device types and clusters can also obtain ZigBee Certified Product status, but such products cannot carry the ZigBee Certified Product logo.

Test service providers are authorized by the ZigBee Alliance to undertake testing and certification. For details of authorized test houses, contact the ZigBee Alliance.

In addition, products using an NXP ZCP must also be checked against the radio regulations of the country or countries where they are to be marketed (these checks can often be performed by the same test house).

Parent topic:ZigBee overview