The Connectivity Standards Alliance has introduced Zigbee 4.0, along with Suzi, a Sub-GHz mesh extension designed to increase range and improve network reliability for IoT devices. Zigbee 4.0 updates the architecture used by existing Zigbee and Smart Energy devices, allowing both technologies to operate on a unified network and simplifying certification and integration processes. The update adds support for 800 MHz (EU) and 900 MHz (North America) physical layers, extending coverage compared to 2.4 GHz implementations while maintaining backward compatibility with deployed Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy devices.
Zigbee 4.0 includes new security capabilities aligned with evolving international standards. Features such as Dynamic Link Key, Device Interview, and Authentication Level Control allow systems to evaluate device trust, control communication based on security levels, and manage authorization during commissioning. Additional mechanisms—including Restricted Mode, Secured Channel, PAN ID changes, Trust Center replacement, and enhanced frame-counter synchronization—help protect networks from unauthorized changes, replay attempts, and connectivity failures. Updates to network-level retries, polling behavior, and acknowledgement handling improve message reliability in dense or interference-prone environments.
Support for Zigbee Direct enables device onboarding and control through Bluetooth Low Energy without requiring a hub. Batch Commissioning allows multiple devices to be configured at once, reducing installation time in residential or commercial deployments. Coordinated Sample Listening enables low-power end devices to communicate directly with each other, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life. These functions are intended to simplify deployment, lower power usage, and improve scalability as networks grow.
Alongside Zigbee 4.0, the Alliance has introduced Suzi, a Sub-GHz mesh networking option based on the same network layer. Suzi is designed to provide long-range, low-power connectivity for applications requiring extended coverage or improved penetration through obstacles. Its design supports multi-vendor interoperability and follows the same security principles as other Alliance technologies. The Suzi certification program is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026.
The combined updates to Zigbee 4.0 and the introduction of Suzi provide a framework for interoperable, secure, and scalable IoT deployments across residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
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