A Cost-effective Edge Computing Gateway for Smart Buildings

TL;DR

The paper tackles high retrofit costs for building management systems by leveraging low-power, mesh-capable Zigbee technology through an open-source edge gateway. It presents a Docker-based Zigbee2MQTT gateway that bridges Zigbee devices to an MQTT broker, enabling edge processing and scalable, vendor-neutral deployments. A cost-efficient case study demonstrates a complete gateway for 145€, validating feasibility for large-scale retrofits in smart buildings. The work highlights interoperability considerations, future integration with Matter and NB-IoT/eSIM, and the practical impact of open-source Zigbee on sustainable, energy-efficient building modernization.

Abstract

The retrofitting of existing buildings with building management systems presents significant challenges, primarily due to the need for labor and cost efficiency. Wireless technology offers a promising solution to these challenges by minimizing the need for extensive wiring and structural alterations. However, achieving retrofitting in a cost-effective manner necessitates the use of low-cost wireless technologies. This paper introduces a framework for constructing a Zigbee gateway using open-source tools combined with low-cost hardware. The proposed architecture addresses large-scale IoT deployments within the Zigbee ecosystem. By leveraging edge computing with the robustness and scalability offered by Zigbee technology, this architecture significantly reduces the economic barriers to retrofit buildings with building management systems. The results underscore the potential of open-source Zigbee technology in aligning with sustainability goals, providing a cost-effective pathway for retrofitting buildings into smart, energy-efficient living environments.

Figures (10)

• Figure 1: Zigbee Protocol Stack
• Figure 2: Full IoT Architecture by processing layer.
• Figure 3: Mini-PC and Zigbee adapter.
• Figure 4: Case Study Gateway Architecture.
• Figure 5: Maersk building.