Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard

Andrés Pazmiño; Darwin Alulema; Mayerly Saenz; Verónica Alulema

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6

Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard

Andrés Pazmiño
, Darwin Alulema
, Mayerly Saenz
, Verónica Alulema

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review

Abstract

This work addresses the issue of accessibility to telecommunication services in areas with challenging geographical conditions, vulnerability to natural disasters, or high-risk situations. A ZigBee mesh network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard is developed, utilizing XBee S2 modules configured as coordinators, routers, and end devices to extend coverage through secondary and redundant links. The network’s functionality was evaluated using the Link Quality Indicator (LQI), verifying communication stability across various configurations and surfaces (grass and concrete). Critical aspects such as battery autonomy and network range limits were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the mesh architecture significantly improves coverage and stability compared to direct configurations. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on ZigBee network optimization for applications in IoT, automation, and robust communication in dynamic environments.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers
Editors	Fabián R. Narváez, Micaela N. Villa, Gloria M. Díaz
Publisher	Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages	71-80
Number of pages	10
ISBN (Print)	9783031982897
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6
State	Published - 2026
Externally published	Yes
Event	4th International Conference on Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications, SmartTech-IC 2024 - Quito, Ecuador Duration: 2 Dec 2024 → 4 Dec 2024

Publication series

Name	Communications in Computer and Information Science
Volume	2393 CCIS
ISSN (Print)	1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)	1865-0937

Conference

Conference	4th International Conference on Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications, SmartTech-IC 2024
Country/Territory	Ecuador
City	Quito
Period	2/12/24 → 4/12/24

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

Keywords

Drones
IEEE 802.15.4
Link Quality Indicator (LQI)
Wireless Communication
ZigBee Mesh Network

Access to Document

10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6

Cite this

Pazmiño, A., Alulema, D., Saenz, M., & Alulema, V. (2026). Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard. In F. R. Narváez, M. N. Villa, & G. M. Díaz (Eds.), Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers (pp. 71-80). (Communications in Computer and Information Science; Vol. 2393 CCIS). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6

Pazmiño, Andrés ; Alulema, Darwin ; Saenz, Mayerly et al. / Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones : Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard. Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers. editor / Fabián R. Narváez ; Micaela N. Villa ; Gloria M. Díaz. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026. pp. 71-80 (Communications in Computer and Information Science).

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Pazmiño, A, Alulema, D, Saenz, M & Alulema, V 2026, Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard. in FR Narváez, MN Villa & GM Díaz (eds), Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol. 2393 CCIS, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, pp. 71-80, 4th International Conference on Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications, SmartTech-IC 2024, Quito, Ecuador, 2/12/24. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6

Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard. / Pazmiño, Andrés; Alulema, Darwin; Saenz, Mayerly et al.
Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers. ed. / Fabián R. Narváez; Micaela N. Villa; Gloria M. Díaz. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026. p. 71-80 (Communications in Computer and Information Science; Vol. 2393 CCIS).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review

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AU - Pazmiño, Andrés

AU - Alulema, Darwin

AU - Saenz, Mayerly

AU - Alulema, Verónica

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.

PY - 2026

Y1 - 2026

N2 - This work addresses the issue of accessibility to telecommunication services in areas with challenging geographical conditions, vulnerability to natural disasters, or high-risk situations. A ZigBee mesh network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard is developed, utilizing XBee S2 modules configured as coordinators, routers, and end devices to extend coverage through secondary and redundant links. The network’s functionality was evaluated using the Link Quality Indicator (LQI), verifying communication stability across various configurations and surfaces (grass and concrete). Critical aspects such as battery autonomy and network range limits were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the mesh architecture significantly improves coverage and stability compared to direct configurations. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on ZigBee network optimization for applications in IoT, automation, and robust communication in dynamic environments.

AB - This work addresses the issue of accessibility to telecommunication services in areas with challenging geographical conditions, vulnerability to natural disasters, or high-risk situations. A ZigBee mesh network based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard is developed, utilizing XBee S2 modules configured as coordinators, routers, and end devices to extend coverage through secondary and redundant links. The network’s functionality was evaluated using the Link Quality Indicator (LQI), verifying communication stability across various configurations and surfaces (grass and concrete). Critical aspects such as battery autonomy and network range limits were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that the mesh architecture significantly improves coverage and stability compared to direct configurations. This study provides a solid foundation for future research on ZigBee network optimization for applications in IoT, automation, and robust communication in dynamic environments.

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PB - Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH

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ER -

Pazmiño A, Alulema D, Saenz M, Alulema V. Zigbee Mesh Network Architecture for Drones: Integration and Testing Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 Standard. In Narváez FR, Villa MN, Díaz GM, editors, Smart Technologies, Systems and Applications - 4th International Conference, SmartTech-IC 2024, Revised Selected Papers. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. 2026. p. 71-80. (Communications in Computer and Information Science). doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-98290-3_6