First of all, the line-of-sight range spec is conservative and is better estimate of practical (not theoretical) error-free ranges.
Second, while most use these radios in NLOS settings, this spec makes it comparable to other technologies. While this isn't the best on current consumption, there is an interchangeable 1mW module that draws very low current and allows ZigBee networks to be flexible for the needs of the network. Plus power-down sleep modes are less than 5 microamps in sleep modes.
The module has increase power output (100 mW EIRP) and excellent receiver sensitivity (-100 dBm) so it can work with ZigBee networks and still get greater range with just a normal 2.1 dBi omni-directional antenna.
Check the specs here:
http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-pro-oe m-rf-module-zigbee.php
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First of all, the line-of-sight range spec is conservative and is better estimate of practical (not theoretical) error-free ranges. Second, while most use these radios in NLOS settings, this spec makes it comparable to other technologies. While this isn't the best on current consumption, there is an interchangeable 1mW module that draws very low current and allows ZigBee networks to be flexible for the needs of the network. Plus power-down sleep modes are less than 5 microamps in sleep modes.
Check out http://www.maxstream.net/
The module has increase power output (100 mW EIRP) and excellent receiver sensitivity (-100 dBm) so it can work with ZigBee networks and still get greater range with just a normal 2.1 dBi omni-directional antenna. Check the specs here: http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-pro-oe m-rf-module-zigbee.php
This radio is based off a small module (1" x 1") and costs less than $20 right now. Not bad. Check out the specs here: http://www.maxstream.net/products/xbee/xbee-oem-rf -module-zigbee.php