Zigbee Mesh Network Performance#

NOTE: This section replaces AN1138: Zigbee Mesh Network Performance. Further updates to this application note will be provided here.

The measurements shown in this application note were taken in June/July of 2025 and are based on Simplicity SDK 2025.6.0.

This application note details methods for testing Zigbee mesh network performance. With an increasing number of mesh networks available in today’s wireless market, it is important for designers to understand the different use cases among these networks and their expected performances. When selecting a network or device, designers need to know the network’s performance and behavior characteristics, such as battery life, network throughput and latency, and the impact of network size on scalability and reliability.

This application note demonstrates how the Zigbee mesh network performs over a series of basic test scenarios. Tests were conducted using Silicon Labs’ Zigbee Mesh Networking software stacks and the Wireless Gecko SoC platform capable of running Zigbee, OpenThread, Matter, Bluetooth® Mesh and many other proprietary protocols. The test environment was a commercial office building with active Wi-Fi and Zigbee networks in range. Wireless test clusters were deployed in hallways, meeting rooms, offices, and open areas. The methodology for performing the benchmarking tests is defined so that others may run the same tests. These results are intended to provide guidance on design practices and principles as well as expected field performance results.

Additional performance benchmarking information for other technologies is available at http://www.silabs.com/mesh-performance.

Key Points#

• Wireless test network in Silicon Labs Research and Development (R&D) is described.

• Wireless conditions and environments are evaluated.

• Zigbee mesh network performance including throughput, latency, and large network scalability is presented.