Sensing Opportunity ZigBee and Wireless Sensor Network Technology Development

In 2003, MIT' s Technology Review included WSN (Wireless Sensor Network) technology in its list of ten important new technologies that would change the world. Commercial testing of WSN systems began in 2004. It is forecasted that, by 2008, global WSN node shipment volume will exceed 100 million units per year, with shipment value topping US$2 billion. 60% of these nodes will be compliant with the ZigBee specification, which was ratified in 2004 and has spawned various applications since. With the low-cost SiP/SoC ZigBee ICs entering volume production, it is expected that the global ZigBee IC shipment volume will achieve a CAGR of around 200% over the period 2004 - 2009. It is expected that the annual ZigBee IC shipment volume will reach 150 million units by 2009, representing significant business opportunities. This report will examine the current applications for ZigBee technology in the WSN segment.

This report analyzes the commercial activities generated by the combination of ZigBee technology with sensor network or MEMS components, focusing on the current applications for ZigBee technology in the WSN segment, related communications protocols, major players, and market status.