Large Networks Routing - Digi XBee Zigbee Mesh Kit User Manual

Large networks routing

The basic function of a network is to transfer data from one node to another. In the simplest data
communication, the data is transmitted directly from the source node to the destination node.
However, direct communication may not be possible if the two nodes are far apart or in a difficult
environment.
In this case, it is necessary to send the data to another node within the radio range, which then
passes it on to another node, and so on until the data reaches the desired destination node.
Routing is the process of receiving data destined for another node and passing it on. Each of the
intermediary nodes between source and destination is called hop.
Note Routing allows the range of a network to be extended beyond the distances supported by direct
radio communication.
A message is normally routed along an already discovered route. But if this route does not exist, the
nodes involved in transmitting the data initiates a route discovery. Once completed, the message will
be sent along the calculated route.
Note The route discovery process finds the best available route to the destination when sending a
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