Zigbee Update: Add Smart Home Devices Without a Hub
â–Ľ Summary
– Zigbee 4.0 introduces improved security, better battery life, and batch setup for devices like smart lights and switches.
– A new feature called Suzi enables Zigbee devices to operate on lower frequency bands for better outdoor and long-range coverage.
– Zigbee 4.0 includes Batch Commissioning to allow simultaneous setup of multiple devices, simplifying large-scale installations.
– Zigbee Direct is now standard, enabling smartphones to connect to and control Zigbee devices directly via Bluetooth without a hub.
– The update is fully backwards compatible with Zigbee 3.0, and some devices may receive over-the-air upgrades, with Suzi certification starting in early 2026.
The latest Zigbee 4.0 update brings significant enhancements to smart home connectivity, including stronger security protocols, extended battery performance, and the ability to set up multiple devices simultaneously. A notable addition is the introduction of Suzi, a feature enabling Zigbee devices to operate on lower frequency bands, improving signal reliability across longer distances and through physical obstructions.
Suzi, an abbreviation for Sub-GHz and Zigbee, allows compatible devices to function on the 800 MHz band in Europe and 900 MHz in North America. This contrasts with the standard 2.4GHz band used by most Zigbee products, which can suffer from interference and reduced range due to walls or other barriers. By utilizing these lower frequencies, Suzi-equipped devices can maintain stable connections for outdoor installations or areas far from the main network without requiring extra hardware like range extenders.
This development aligns with other specialized Zigbee features introduced over time, such as Zigbee Smart Energy for monitoring power consumption and Zigbee Green Power for devices that draw energy from environmental sources like light or heat instead of batteries. Suzi’s capabilities are expected to bolster Zigbee’s position in the market, especially as some manufacturers shift toward Matter over Thread, another 2.4GHz-based technology.
According to Genie Peshkova, chair of the Zigbee Product Marketing Group, Suzi is particularly well-suited for commercial and industrial applications. These settings often involve complex layouts with multiple floors, thick walls, and extensive device deployments where reliable wireless coverage is essential.
Zigbee 4.0 incorporates several key upgrades beyond Suzi. The certification process has been streamlined to make it easier for manufacturers to bring products to market. Devices will also share more information with each other, enhancing overall network intelligence. Security measures have been strengthened, and battery-operated devices can now schedule communication windows to conserve power.
A feature called Batch Commissioning simplifies large installations by enabling the simultaneous setup of numerous devices. For example, an electrician could fit Zigbee light bulbs throughout a new construction before electricity is connected. Once a central hub is installed and powered, all bulbs can be activated together instead of being added individually.
Zigbee Direct, previously an optional capability, is now a standard part of Zigbee 4.0. This allows smartphones with Bluetooth Low Energy to discover, control, and integrate nearby Zigbee devices directly into a network without needing a dedicated hub.
The new standard maintains full backwards compatibility with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy devices. Genie Peshkova notes that devices with adequate operational resources might receive over-the-air updates to leverage these improvements after certification. However, specific details regarding which existing products will support all new features remain unclear. The Suzi certification program is planned to launch in the first half of 2026.
(Source: The Verge)
