ZigBee is a wireless communication protocol designed for low-power, low-data-rate, and short-range wireless networking applications. It is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band, although there are variants that operate in other frequency bands as well. ZigBee is commonly used in various industrial, commercial, and consumer applications for building automation, home automation, industrial control, and sensor networks.

Here are some key features of ZigBee:

1. Low Power Consumption: ZigBee devices are designed to operate on battery power for extended periods, making them suitable for applications requiring low power consumption and long battery life. ZigBee uses a low duty cycle and supports sleep modes to minimize power consumption during idle periods.

2. Mesh Networking: ZigBee supports mesh networking, allowing devices to communicate with each other through multiple hops. This enables the creation of robust and scalable networks with extended coverage and improved reliability. Mesh networking also provides self-healing capabilities, where network nodes can dynamically reroute data around failed or congested paths.

3. Low Data Rate: ZigBee is optimized for low-data-rate applications, with typical data rates ranging from 20 to 250 kbps (kilobits per second). It is suitable for transmitting small amounts of data, such as sensor readings, control commands, and status updates.

4. Short Range: ZigBee operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, offering a typical range of up to 10 to 100 meters, depending on factors such as transmit power, antenna design, and environmental conditions. It is well-suited for applications requiring communication over short distances within a localized area.

5. Interoperability: ZigBee devices from different manufacturers can interoperate seamlessly, thanks to the standardized ZigBee protocol stack and certification process. This ensures compatibility and interoperability between ZigBee devices from different vendors, enabling the creation of multi-vendor networks.

ZigBee PRO is an enhanced version of the ZigBee protocol that includes additional features and capabilities for more robust and reliable wireless networking. Some key features of ZigBee PRO include:

• Enhanced Security: ZigBee PRO includes advanced security features such as AES-128 encryption, secure key exchange, and message integrity checks to protect data confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access.

• Improved Network Management: ZigBee PRO provides enhanced network management capabilities, including network formation, device discovery, routing table management, and network optimization. This allows for more efficient network operation and better performance in dynamic environments.

• Advanced Application Support: ZigBee PRO includes support for advanced application profiles and protocols, such as ZigBee Home Automation, ZigBee Light Link, ZigBee Smart Energy, and ZigBee Green Power. These application profiles define standardized communication protocols and device behaviors for specific use cases, enabling interoperability between different types of ZigBee devices.

Overall, ZigBee and ZigBee PRO are widely used in various wireless networking applications due to their low power consumption, mesh networking capabilities, interoperability, and support for standardized application profiles. They are commonly deployed in smart homes, industrial automation, building management systems, and IoT (Internet of Things) applications.