The Connectivity Standards Alliance has released Zigbee 4.0, an updated version of the protocol that promises stronger security, longer battery life, and smoother large-scale installs for smart lights, switches, and outlets.
Suzi adds Sub-GHz range for outdoor and long-distance devices
ACSA also introduced a new feature called Suzi, short for Sub-GHz and Zigbee. Most Zigbee devices today operate in the 2.4 GHz band and use mesh networking, which can suffer signal loss from obstacles such as thick walls. Devices that support Suzi will be able to operate in Europe’s 800 MHz band and North America’s 900 MHz band.
ACSA says the lower-frequency option will provide coverage for smart devices installed outdoors or farther from the house without requiring extra hardware to extend the mesh.
Suzi is similar to other features previously added to specifications based on IEEE 802.15.4.
Batch Commissioning makes large installs faster
Zigbee 4.0 introduces Batch Commissioning, a feature designed to streamline large-scale deployments by allowing multiple smart devices to be configured at once.
Zigbee Direct becomes a standard
Zigbee Direct, a previously optional capability added two years ago, is now part of the core Zigbee 4.0 spec. It lets smartphones connect to, control, and add nearby Zigbee devices using Bluetooth Low Energy without a central hub.
Compatibility and rollout timeline
Zigbee 4.0 is fully backward compatible with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy devices. Which current or upcoming products will be able to take full advantage of the new features has not yet been disclosed.
ACSA plans to launch a Suzi certification program in the first half of 2026.
