Low power location protocol based on ZigBee Wireless Sensor Networks

Typical ZigBee location applications consume significant amounts of power when end devices receive messages for configuration and synchronization. These intervals often consume more power than the transmission process reducing significantly the devices battery life time. This paper describes an implemented ZigBee low power consumption location protocol, achieved by reducing end devices communication intervals and developing a proper router and coordinator firmware. This protocol allows two different forms of location: proximity and multi-RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) reference nodes location. In the first mode, position of end devices is related with its nearest reference node location; in the second one, several neighbors RSSI values are provided, being the base for more complex algorithms such as triangulation or fingerprinting. Another capability of this protocol is the identification of non functional reference nodes and the possibility to generate alert signals sent by the end device.