How many sensors total in a Zigbee mesh network

Wireless & IoT
1

I am researching a possible project using Zigbee and cannot find a solid answer.

I am wanting to know if a Zigbee mesh network can handle (realistically) 300-400 devices on the same network? They will each have at least two sensors and the devices will move around in a pre-defined area outdoors (within 1 mile of the controller). Pre-positioned stationary router units could be implemented within the area as well.

Or, is there a better suited technology for this scenario?

Thanks in advance!

2

Have you read the documents and app notes on Digi International’s web site (the makers of the XBee modules)?

3

at least 10 differing mesh protocols come to mind instantly,

each with differing capabilities and complexity.

At this point in conceptual development, its prudent to settle on one at least.

check out a few of these possibilites…

-Temporally-Ordered Routing Algorithm (TORA)*

-Carrier sense multiple access(CSMA)***

-Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector routing (DSDV)

-Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV)

-Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

-Multiple VLAN Registration Protocol (MVRP)

-Multiple MAC Registration Protocol (MMRP)

-*** we used for UAV deployment in temporary deployment/rapid deployment theatre 60 mile radius, portable battery mesh routers scattered over flight path and possible deviations thereof

4

waltr:
Have you read the documents and app notes on Digi International’s web site (the makers of the XBee modules)?

Yes. I also have the book “Building Wireless Sensor Networks”. I am looking for feedback from people who have implemented real working large zigbee networks and can offer feedback based on their experiences. There are always differences between what is “possible” (marketing) and what is actually “workable”.

For example: I know the specs on some xbee radios say 1 mile range. But I have enough wireless experience to know that in some working situations you will never get 1 mile. Even if you have line of sight. I am looking for that type of feedback from someone who has experience working with large zigbee based networks.

I really need to know the downside of very large zigbee networks before I can commit to this technology being feasible for this type of application.

5

Besides ZigBee, consider too the (better) DigiMesh option, for XBee series 1. Only XBee series 2 can run ZigBee which is rather bloated.