Module operation Comparing Transparent and API operation
XBee/XBee-PRO ZigBee RF Modules User Guide 29
Comparing Transparent and API operation
The following table compares the advantages of transparent and API modes of operation:
Generally, we recommend API firmware when a device:
sends RF data to multiple destinations
sends remote configuration commands to manage devices in the network
receives IO samples from remote devices
receives RF data packets from multiple devices, and the application needs to know which device sent which
packet
must support multiple ZigBee endpoints, cluster IDs, and/or profile IDs
uses the ZigBee Device Profile services.
If the conditions listed above do not apply (for example, a sensor node, router, or a simple application), then AT
firmware might be suitable. It is acceptable to use a mixture of devices running API and AT firmware in a network.
Transparent Operation Features
Simple Interface All received serial data is transmitted unless the module is in command mode.
Easy to support It is easier for an application to support transparent operation and command mode
API Operation Features
Easy to manage data transmissions to
multiple destinations
Transmitting RF data to multiple remotes only requires changing the address in the
API frame. This process is much faster than in transparent operation where the
application must enter AT command mode, change the address, exit command
mode, and then transmit data.
Each API transmission can return a transmit status frame indicating the success or
reason for failure.
Received data frames indicate the
sender's address
All received RF data API frames indicate the source address.
Advanced ZigBee addressing support API transmit and receive frames can expose ZigBee addressing fields including
source and destination endpoints, cluster ID and profile ID. This makes it easy to
support ZDO commands and public profile traffic.
Advanced networking diagnostics API frames can provide indication of IO samples from remote devices, and node
identification messages.
Remote configuration Set / read configuration commands can be sent to remote devices to configure
them as needed using the API.
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