Embedded system implementation of IEEE 802.15.4 for wireless sensor networks (WSNs)

Abstract

The project aims at implementing the open source ZigBee protocol by implementing IEEE Standard 802.15.4/Zigbee on a USRP and then implementation for a small microcontroller and RF Chip based indigenous ZigBee module. It will result in surprising reduction in cost during future R&D/commercial projects. ZigBee is a communication module used widely for creating Wireless Sensor Networks due to its dramatically low power consumption (allowing battery to last for years), moderate cost and relatively secure wireless communication. However, not having ZigBee modules in Pakistan demands its import from countries like Germany which doubles the cost from 30 USD to 60 USD. This project provides a solution that not only reduces the cost to 8 USD each module, but it also provides the research and development sector in Pakistan with full control over the Stack (which costs an additional 300 USD when obtained from a foreign manufacturer) by developing ZigBee modules locally. This, as a result, opens gates for future research through possible changes in the protocol stack.