This network layer is influenced by the design of ZigBee, but does not implement it directly.

Which is better?

ZigBee is a much more robust, feature-rich set of protocols, with many different vendors providing compatible chips.

RF24Network is cheap. While ZigBee radios are well over $20, nRF24L01 modules can be found for under $2.

Similiarities & Differences

Here are some comparisons between RF24Network and ZigBee.

• Both networks support Star and Tree topologies. Only Zigbee supports a true mesh.
• In ZigBee networks, only leaf nodes can sleep
• ZigBee nodes are configured using AT commands, or a separate Windows application. RF24 nodes are configured by recompiliing the firmware or writing to EEPROM.
• A paper was written comparing the performance of Zigbee vs nRF24l01+, see TMRh20s Blog for a detailed overview.

Node Naming

• Leaf node: A node at the outer edge of the network with no children. ZigBee calls it an End Device node.
• Relay node: A node which has both parents and children, and relays messages from one to the other. ZigBee calls it a Router.
• Base node. The top of the tree node with no parents, only children. Typically this node will bridge to another kind of network like Ethernet. ZigBee calls it a Co-ordinator node.