New Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi branding increase flexibility for IoT device manufacturers
The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) today announced the release of Zigbee 4.0 And Suzithe new brand for Zigbee’s sub-GHz capability, two key milestones in advancing the foundation of secure, interoperable and scalable IoT connectivity with a range of optional features that allow product manufacturers to select the specific set that best suits their product’s use case and requirements. Together, these innovations represent the next evolution of Zigbee technology, building on decades of proven performance to deliver greater range, reliability and security across global networks.
Zigbee 4.0 lays the foundation for the harmonization of traditional Zigbee and smart energy devices and ensures better interoperability across universal networks. This release simplifies certification processes and supports improved information sharing, creating a more comprehensive smart home solution. Comprehensive and proactive security updates aligned with evolving international security standards implement cryptographic agility and additional mechanisms to protect the network. Zigbee 4.0 expands its capabilities beyond the 2.4 GHz band and includes support for the European 800 MHz and North American 900 MHz PHY, ensuring greater signal strength, range and coverage. Fully backwards compatible with Zigbee 3.0 and Smart Energy, it ensures continuity with more than one billion Zigbee devices already in use worldwide, while driving improvements in network stability, user experience and device commissioning in dense networks.
The latest version offers significant security improvements in line with evolving global standards and strengthens Zigbee’s position as a trusted solution for secure, modern connectivity. Advanced features such as Dynamic Link Key, Device Interview and Smart Energy Authentication Level Control provide greater control and resiliency in connected networks. These features strengthen device authentication, enable selective communication based on security levels, and ensure that only trusted devices join the network. New tools such as Restricted Mode, Secured Channel, PAN ID Changes and Trust Center Swap Out provide improved flexibility and management for ecosystems and installers by improving protection, enabling efficient trust center swapping and preventing unauthorized network changes.
With Advanced Frame Counter Synchronization, Zigbee 4.0 prevents replay attacks and synchronizes precise message validation between endpoints. Robust improvements such as standardized network-level retries, more reliable data polling for sleepy devices, and expanded use of APS acknowledgments increase overall network performance and reduce message loss. Features such as formalized parent selection, unique connection key monitoring, and trust center connectivity improve network stability and ensure devices maintain secure connections, can reconnect when needed, and function in complex network environments.
Zigbee 4.0 increases both usability and scalability and is designed to simplify and strengthen device interoperability. Zigbee Direct allows users to seamlessly connect and control devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) without a hub. Batch picking allows multiple devices to be set up efficiently at the same time, simplifying use in private and commercial areas. Additionally, sleepy-to-sleepy communication using Coordinated Sample Listening (CSL) enables direct, low-power exchange between devices, optimizing energy consumption and further extending battery life. Taken together, these advancements position Zigbee 4.0 as a forward-looking standard that will continue to evolve in line with industry needs and future market demands.
Introducing Suzi: Expanding Connectivity with Long-Range Mesh Networks
In addition to Zigbee 4.0, the alliance is introducing Suzi, the new standards-based wireless technology brand that extends the reach and reliability of IoT connectivity through long-range sub-GHz mesh networks.
Built on the proven Zigbee network layer, Suzi combines long-range performance, low power consumption and multi-vendor interoperability to unlock new possibilities for residential, commercial and industrial applications. From connecting outdoor living spaces to enabling large-scale networks in buildings and cities, Suzi provides robust, efficient communications in environments that require extended coverage and minimal interference.
Suzi adheres to the same strict security principles that define all Alliance technologies and aligns with international standards to ensure a secure and trustworthy ecosystem. Its framework gives developers, manufacturers and consumers the freedom to develop and deploy interoperable devices from a global ecosystem of trusted suppliers.
The Suzi certification program is scheduled to launch in the first half of 2026 and will allow manufacturers to begin certifying products that bring the benefits of long-range, low-power mesh networks to the connected world.
A connected future built on proven foundations
Together, Zigbee 4.0 and Suzi demonstrate the alliance’s commitment to strengthening global IoT networks through open innovation and shared progress. Combining enhanced security, simplified onboarding and greater reach, these new capabilities expand the reach and resilience of the smart ecosystem, making secure, intelligent connectivity accessible everywhere.
Developers interested in learning more about these improvements can access the following resources here.
