One network using xbee can support about 65K addresses. But how can I form extremely large networks then?
Possibly, if I have the way to combine different networks, it can be achieved.
How can I link multiple coordinators belonging to different networks to support extremely large networks?
Try investigating “mesh node” or “mesh protocols” as there is a ton of data and practical theory on this.
My only experience in mesh networking comes from UAV/drone ground control systems, and so centered only on distribution and addressing of small ground positioned portable radio transceivers that sleep in a monitoring (RX) state, then activate themselves into an amorphous dynamic mesh based network of repeaters (slave mode) that determine the path to home (master ground control station) via a protocol resembling routed DHCP. Experiencing this, I was then made aware of the vast variations and diversity of existing protocols. (too much to have any enjoyment practicing)
One method is to have the host processor connected to the coordinators. This host then translates data between the networks.How can I link multiple coordinators belonging to different networks to support extremely large networks?
you can change from 16 bit to 64 bit addressing. Most all OEM modules come with a 64 bit MAC address assigned by the manufacturer from a pool of IEEE coordinated MAC addresses (like Ethernet NICs).arbazkhan002:
One network using xbee can support about 65K addresses. But how can I form extremely large networks then?Possibly, if I have the way to combine different networks, it can be achieved.
How can I link multiple coordinators belonging to different networks to support extremely large networks?
You can choose a peer to peer mode (no PAN coordinator), and use only 64 bit addresses. One or more nodes can become a bridge (like a gateway) to a different network, say, via ethernet or cellular. This can be a layer 2 device, so no elaborate mesh protocol is needed. This makes sense if your nodes never or rarely move. Gateway / bridge nodes can advertise that they are such by sending a periodic frame to the IEEE defined broadcast address which is 0xFFFF in either 64 or 16 bit addressing mode. The design of what goes in the broadcast frames is up to you. The strategy for non-gateway nodes to discover and choose (and re-choose) “best” gateway is up to you. Essentially, this is how 802.11 works.
A self-forming, self-healing mesh is unworkable, IMO, at more than a few hundred nodes, in today’s state of the art.
You could devise your own network of many mesh networks. But it’ll be a lonely trip.
Oh my!!
Gosh!
Hundreds of nodes? wow, what scale was he thinking of, I was way off the mark.
I imagined double digits , lol!
We employed 45-50 portable units over a flight path of 50-60 miles, and I was very impressed…
My bad!