Zigbee coordinator
also: Zigbee gateway, network coordinator
A Zigbee coordinator is a central device that forms and manages a Zigbee wireless mesh network, handling network formation, device joining, and message routing.
A Zigbee coordinator is the root device of a Zigbee network that initiates network creation and assigns network addresses to joining devices. Every Zigbee network requires exactly one coordinator, which typically runs on a gateway device or dongle connected to a Linux system.
On Linux, Zigbee coordinators are often controlled through software stacks like zigpy or Domoticz. The coordinator maintains the network topology, handles device authentication, and routes messages between end devices and routers. For example, a Zigbee USB dongle plugged into a Linux home automation server acts as the coordinator for controlling smart lights, switches, and sensors.
The coordinator stores important network information including the network key for encryption and a list of all participating devices. If the coordinator fails, the entire network becomes non-functional until it restarts and devices re-join.