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Networking methods
MAC layer
The MAC layer is the building block that is used to build repeater capability. To implement Repeater
mode, we use a network layer header that comes after the MAC layer header in each packet. In this
network layer there is additional packet tracking to eliminate duplicate broadcasts.
In this delivery method, the device sends both unicast and broadcast packets out as broadcasts that
are always repeated. All repeated packets are sent to every device. The devices that receive the
broadcast send broadcast data out their serial port.
When a device sends a unicast, it specifies a destination address in the network header. Then, only the
device that has the matching destination address sends the unicast out its serial port. This is called a
directed broadcast.
Any node that has a CE parameter set to router rebroadcasts the packet if its BH (broadcast hops) or
broadcast radius values are not depleted. If a node has already seen a repeated broadcast, it ignores
the broadcast.
The NH parameter sets the maximum number of hops that a broadcast transmission is repeated. The
device always uses the NH value unless you specify a BH value that is smaller.
By default the CE parameter is set to route all broadcasts. As such, all nodes that receive a repeated
packet will repeat it. If you change the CE parameter, you can limit which nodes repeat packets, which
helps dense networks from becoming overly congested while packets are being repeated.
Transmission timeout calculations for Repeater/directed broadcast mode are the same as for
DigiMesh broadcast transmissions.
DigiMesh networking
A mesh network is a topology in which each node in the network is connected to other nodes around
it. Each node cooperates in transmitting information. Mesh networking provides these important
benefits:
Routing. With this technique, the message is propagated along a path by hopping from node to
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node until it reaches its final destination.
Ad-hoc network creation. This is an automated process that creates an entire network of
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nodes on the fly, without any human intervention.
Self-healing. This process automatically figures out if one or more nodes on the network is
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missing and reconfigures the network to repair any broken routes.
Peer-to-peer architecture. No hierarchy and no parent-child relationships are needed.
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Quiet protocol. Routing overhead will be reduced by using a reactive protocol similar to AODV.
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Route discovery. Rather than maintaining a network map, routes will be discovered and
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created only when needed.
Selective acknowledgments. Only the destination node will reply to route requests.
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Reliable delivery. Reliable delivery of data is accomplished by means of acknowledgments.
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Sleep modes. Low power sleep modes with synchronized wake are supported with variable
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sleep and wake times.
XBee®/XBee-PRO XTend Compatible (XTC) DigiMesh RF Module User Guide
Delivery methods
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