difference between xbee and zigbee
ZigBee
The first is relying on a very reliable, low-range wireless technology, the IEEE 802.15.4 Specification. This specification is a very modern, robust radio technology built on over 40 years of experience by IEEE.
It uses what’s called Offset-Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (O-QPSK) and Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), a combination of technologies that provides excellent performance in low signal-to-noise ratio environments.
ZigBee uses what’s called Carrier Sense Multiple Access Collision Avoidance (CSMACA) to increase reliability. Before transmitting, ZigBee listens to the channel.
When the channel is clear, ZigBee begins to transmit. This prevents radios from talking over one another, causing corrupted data. CSMA-CA is similar to what people do in conversations.(Or at least should!) They wait for the other speaker to finish, and then talk.
ZigBee uses a 16-bit CRC on each packet, called a Frame Checksum (FCS). This ensures that the data bits are correct. Each packet is retried up to three times (for a total of four transmissions). If the packet cannot get through after the fourth transmission, ZigBee informs the sending node so something can be done about it.
Another way that ZigBee achieves reliability is through mesh networking.
Mesh networking essentially provides three enhanced capabilities to a wireless network: extended range through multi-hop, ad-hoc formation of the network, and most importantly automatic route discovery and self healing.
XBee
XBee Product Registered Brand name of ZigBee Standard Module by Maxstream now it changed to Digi
**broken link removed**