Introduction#

Multi-network and multi-PAN features allow a device to operate on two Zigbee networks using the same radio. These Zigbee networks may have different security settings or network parameters, such as short ID, PAN ID, extended PAN ID, or radio power. The only parameter that stays the same on all networks is the node's EUI64. While the multi-network feature allows the two networks to be on different radio channels, the multi-PAN feature requires that this setting matches.

This application note presents the software options to implement a feature wherein a device with a single Zigbee radio may concurrently operate on two Zigbee networks. Depending on the intended use case, you can choose either of the following configurations:

• Multi-network: Device may serve in an always-on role on a maximum of one of the two networks. This feature is implemented by timesharing the radio between the two networks. Consequently, the networks may have non-overlapping network and radio settings.

• Multi-PAN: An extension of the multi-network feature wherein a device may serve in an always-on role (specifically a coordinator) on both networks in a host-NCP configuration. The tradeoff is that the radio channel needs to match on both networks. Because this configuration needs to keep track of the state of both networks, there is a significant increase in flash and RAM usage.

Each of these configurations has its own set of limitations. These restrictions and other considerations are discussed in greater detail in the following sections.