discover module not defined in micropython for Xbee.discover

[robomike]

There is a micropython sample for Xbee.discover to find nodes on the network:

Xbee.discover.

However, discover is not a module defined in micropython Xbee.

Also, the Digi website says this is available

https://www.digi.com/resources/documentation/Digidocs/90002219/#reference/r_example_xbee.discover.htm?TocPath=XBee%2520device%2520examples%257C_____4

If the python module is unavailable, how can we access this information in micropython?

The ATND command does not work in micropython

And the xbee.discover command throws this error: AttributeError: 'module' object has no attribute 'discover'

[mikewadsten]

Which model of XBee are you using? The xbee.discover function only exists on XBee 3 Zigbee, 802.15.4 and DigiMesh.

[robomike]

XBee 3 Global

So is there no way for a Xbee 3 global to communicate to nodes?

[mikewadsten]

If you have multiple XBee 3 Cellular modules, and your network carrier allows direct communication between devices in that way (for example, if you are using a private APN configured as such), then sure, one XBee can communicate with other XBees -- but you'll need to address them directly. Otherwise, no. Mobile-terminated IP traffic, even within the same network or on the same cell, is almost always blocked as a matter of course on cellular networks.

This is why we don't implement ATND or xbee.discover() on Cellular modules.

And for future reference, xbee.discover being available only on XBee 3 RF devices (not Cellular) is mentioned in the docstring for it in the typehint file for the xbee module: https://github.com/digidotcom/xbee-micropython/blob/98a58d1284082f3a50f03dae8b68673450be5858/typehints/common/xbee/__init__.pyi#L65-66

[robomike]

Hi, I have an Xbee3 Global LTE and it needs to communicate to an Xbee module: https://www.sparkfun.com/xbee-3-module-pcb-antenna.html

Our plan is to use the Xbee3 Global as a hub, to what would be a mesh network of embedded Xbee3 modules.

[mikewadsten]

The type of product you are looking for is a gateway. XBee 3 Cellular devices are not gateway devices. XBee 3 Cellular does not implement 802.15.4 (communication over Zigbee, DigiMesh, or 802.15.4 is not possible).

I would advise you to reach out to Digi's sales team for help with your use case.