996  Zigbee Wokwi Simulation Lab

996.1 Learning Objectives

By the end of this series, you will be able to:

  • Build Zigbee Mesh Networks: Implement coordinator, router, and end device roles in simulation
  • Understand AODV Routing: Visualize route discovery and multi-hop message delivery
  • Optimize Network Topology: Experiment with node placement and network density
  • Test Fault Tolerance: Simulate node failures and observe self-healing mechanisms
  • Analyze Power Consumption: Compare battery life strategies for end devices
  • Monitor Network Health: Track device status, battery levels, and connectivity

What is this chapter series? Browser-based Wokwi simulation labs and Python tools for hands-on Zigbee mesh network experimentation.

When to use: - To visualize Zigbee routing and mesh behavior - For experimenting without physical hardware - To test network topology designs before deployment

Key Topics:

Lab Focus
Temperature Network Hardware setup with XBee modules
Network Analyzer Python monitoring with Zigbee2MQTT
Mesh Simulator Wokwi-based routing and self-healing

Prerequisites: - Zigbee Fundamentals - Basic understanding of mesh routing - No physical hardware required for simulator

996.2 Lab Series Overview

This chapter series provides three complementary hands-on labs for learning Zigbee mesh networking:

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flowchart LR
    subgraph Lab1[Lab 1: Temperature Network]
        HW[Hardware Setup]
        XB[XBee Configuration]
        ESP[ESP32 Coordinator]
        ARD[Arduino End Devices]
    end

    subgraph Lab2[Lab 2: Network Analyzer]
        Z2M[Zigbee2MQTT]
        PY[Python Monitoring]
        ALERT[Health Alerts]
    end

    subgraph Lab3[Lab 3: Mesh Simulator]
        WOK[Wokwi ESP32]
        MESH[Mesh Routing]
        HEAL[Self-Healing]
        PWR[Power Management]
    end

    Lab1 --> Lab2 --> Lab3

    style Lab1 fill:#16A085,stroke:#2C3E50
    style Lab2 fill:#E67E22,stroke:#2C3E50
    style Lab3 fill:#2C3E50,stroke:#16A085

Figure 996.1: Three-lab progression: Start with hardware basics (Lab 1), add monitoring tools (Lab 2), then explore advanced concepts with simulation (Lab 3).

996.3 Lab Chapters

996.3.1 Lab 1: ESP32 Temperature Monitoring Network

Read the full lab: Zigbee Lab: Temperature Network

Build a real Zigbee sensor network with ESP32 as coordinator and XBee modules as end devices. This lab covers:

  • XBee module configuration with XCTU software
  • ESP32 coordinator receiving and aggregating sensor data
  • Arduino end devices with DHT22 temperature/humidity sensors
  • API mode communication and frame parsing
  • Network health monitoring with RSSI tracking

Hardware Required: ESP32, XBee S2C modules, Arduino Uno boards, DHT22 sensors

Difficulty: Intermediate | Duration: 2-3 hours

996.3.2 Lab 2: Python Network Analyzer with Zigbee2MQTT

Read the full lab: Zigbee Lab: Network Analyzer

Create a network monitoring tool that visualizes Zigbee mesh topology and device health:

  • Connect Python to Zigbee2MQTT via MQTT broker
  • Track battery levels, link quality, and online status
  • Implement automated health alerts
  • Extend with Slack notifications and InfluxDB logging

Prerequisites: Raspberry Pi with Zigbee2MQTT installed, MQTT broker running

Difficulty: Intermediate | Duration: 1-2 hours

996.3.3 Lab 3: Zigbee Mesh Network Simulator (Wokwi Interactive Lab)

Read the full lab: Zigbee Lab: Mesh Simulator

Interactive browser-based simulation demonstrating core Zigbee mesh concepts:

  • Device Roles: Coordinator, Router, and End Device interactions
  • Network Formation: PAN creation and device joining phases
  • Message Routing: Multi-hop message delivery with route tracing
  • Self-Healing: Automatic rerouting when nodes fail
  • Power Management: Sleep modes and battery optimization

No hardware required - runs entirely in browser via Wokwi

Difficulty: Intermediate | Duration: 1-2 hours

996.5 Key Concepts Covered

Concept Lab 1 Lab 2 Lab 3
Device Roles (Coordinator/Router/EndDevice) X X X
Network Formation X X
Multi-Hop Routing X
Self-Healing Mesh X
Battery/Power Management X X
Health Monitoring X X
Real Hardware X X
Browser Simulation X

996.6 Summary

This lab series provides comprehensive hands-on experience with Zigbee mesh networking:

  • Lab 1 teaches real hardware integration with XBee modules and ESP32
  • Lab 2 adds Python-based network monitoring and health alerting
  • Lab 3 provides an interactive simulation for understanding mesh routing, self-healing, and power management

Complete all three labs to gain both theoretical understanding and practical skills for deploying Zigbee networks.

996.7 What’s Next

After completing these labs, continue with:

NoteRelated Chapters

Prerequisites: - Zigbee Fundamentals and Architecture - Device roles, AODV routing, mesh formation - Zigbee Routing Protocols - Route discovery concepts - Network Topologies Fundamentals - Mesh topology basics

Lab Chapters: - Lab 1: Temperature Network - Hardware-based sensor network - Lab 2: Network Analyzer - Python monitoring tool - Lab 3: Mesh Simulator - Wokwi interactive simulation

Comparisons: - Thread vs Zigbee - IPv6-based mesh comparison - Bluetooth Mesh - Alternative mesh approach - Matter Integration - Smart home protocol evolution

Learning Resources: - Quizzes Hub - Test your Zigbee knowledge - Simulations Hub - More Zigbee network simulators