EVALUATION OF ZIGBEE RECEIVED SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR PERFORMANCE IN INDOOR ENVIRONMENT

This study examines the performance of the ZigBee Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) in indoor environments, with a focus on understanding how distance and environmental obstacles influence wireless signal propagation. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, utilizing two ZigBee Pro S2B modules configured through XCTU software. Measurements were taken at distances ranging from 10 feet to 50 feet, under various conditions involving obstacles such as furniture, walls, and human presence. The findings indicate that RSSI values exhibit a progressive decline with increased distance and greater obstacle density. Specifically, the signal strength diminished by approximately 4 to 6 dB for every 10-foot increment, with an additional decrease of 3 to 5 dB for every two additional obstacles encountered. It was determined that walls and human presence are the most significant factors contributing to signal attenuation, due to effects related to reflection, absorption, and scattering. These results are consistent with theoretical path loss models and corroborate prior empirical studies, reinforcing the notion that the performance of ZigBee technology is significantly influenced by environmental conditions. The study concludes that ZigBee is well-suited for short-range, low-power Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor applications; however, optimal node placement and the implementation of mesh networking are critical for ensuring reliable communication in complex indoor environments. The insights derived from this research hold valuable implications for enhancing the design and deployment of wireless sensor networks in academic and smart-building contexts.