The ZigBee RF4CE network is composed of two types of device: a target node and a controller node. A target node has full PAN coordinator capabilities and can start a network in its own right. A controller node can join networks started by target nodes by pairing with the target. Multiple RC PANs form an RC network and nodes in the network can communicate between RC PANs.

In order to communicate with a target node, a controller node first switches to the channel and assumes the PAN identifier of the destination RC PAN. It then uses the network address, allocated through the pairing procedure, to identify itself on the RC PAN and thus communicate with the desired target node.

This graphic illustrates an example ZigBee RF4CE topology that includes three target nodes: a TV, a DVD player and a CD player and each target node creates its own RC PAN.

The TV, DVD and CD player also have dedicated RCs which are paired to each appropriate target node.

A multi-function RC, capable of controlling all three target nodes itself, is added to the network by successively pairing to the desired target nodes.