XCTU

XCTU is a free multi-platform application designed to enable developers to interact with Digi RF modules through a simple-to-use graphical interface. It includes new tools that make it easy to set up, configure, and test XBee® RF modules.

Digi XCTU includes all of the tools a developer needs to quickly get up and running with XBee.



Unique features like graphical network view, which graphically represents the XBee network along with the signal strength of each connection, and the XBee API frame builder, which intuitively helps to build and interpret API frames for XBees being used in API mode, combine to make development on the XBee platform easier than ever.

• A free application available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• It features a Graphical Network View for easy wireless network configuration and architecture.
• The API Frame Builder tool enables quick creation of XBee API frames.
• The Firmware Release Notes Viewer lets users explore and read firmware release notes.

Digi XBee is more than a module. It's a complete ecosystem of wireless modules, gateways, adapters, and software, all engineered to accelerate wireless development for global deployments.

One socket allows you to connect to IoT networks around the globe. With the authentic Digi XBee footprint, you can future-proof your design and know that Digi has you covered for new technologies as they emerge.

Digi XBee Tools support the complete IoT application lifecycle, from the evaluation, testing, and prototyping phase through manufacturing and deployment to long-term network management.

Features and Highlights

• You can manage and configure multiple RF devices, even remotely (over-the-air) connected devices.
• The firmware update process seamlessly restores your module settings, automatically handling mode and baud rate changes.
• Two specific API and AT consoles have been designed from scratch to communicate with your radio devices.
• You can now save your console sessions and load them on a different PC running the app.
• It includes a set of embedded tools that can be executed without having any RF module connected:
• Frames generator: Easily generate any kind of API frame to save its value.
• Frames interpreter: Decode an API frame and see its specific frame values.
• Recovery: Recover radio modules that have damaged firmware or are in programming mode.
• Load console session: Load a console session saved on any PC running XCTU.
• Range test: Perform a range test between 2 radio modules of the same network.
• Firmware explorer: Navigate through XCTU's firmware library.
• An update process allows you to automatically update the application itself and the radio firmware library without needing to download any extra files.
• It contains complete and comprehensive documentation, which can be accessed at any time.

FAQ

What is Digi XCTU, and who is it for?
Digi XCTU is a free, cross-platform configuration and testing application for Digi XBee RF modules—made for developers and engineers working on wireless IoT, allowing them to set up, monitor, and manage XBee networks on Windows, macOS, or Linux using an intuitive graphical interface. 

What core features does XCTU offer?
It includes device discovery and management (including remote over-the-air modules), a graphical network map with signal strength indicators, API frame builders and decoders, firmware updates, spectrum analyzer, throughput and range testing tools, plus session consoles and backup/restore functionality. 

Can XCTU update module firmware and handle damaged devices?
Yes! From the Configuration view, you can update firmware while preserving settings, and XCTU also includes recovery tools to restore modules with corrupted firmware or stuck in programming mode.

How does XCTU help optimize wireless network performance?
XCTU’s built-in Spectrum Analyzer visualizes interference across channels to guide frequency selection, and its Throughput and Range test tools let you measure real-world network performance - critical steps before deploying in IoT environments.

Is XCTU easy to use for beginners?
XCTU features contextual help, interactive consoles, session saving/loading, comprehensive documentation, and a clean UI with toolbar shortcuts, making it approachable even for new users testing or learning to manage XBee networks.

PROS

• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive GUI makes configuration and management straightforward.
• Cross-Platform Support: Available for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
• Network Configuration: Easy to configure and manage XBee networks.
• Firmware Updates: Simplifies updating device firmware.
• Remote Management: Allows for remote device configuration and diagnostics.
• Graphical Tools: Provides visual tools for network mapping and signal strength analysis.

CONS

• Resource Intensive: Can be demanding on system resources.
• Learning Curve: Requires some time to understand all features and capabilities.
• Limited to Digi Devices: Primarily designed for Digi’s XBee modules.
• Connectivity Issues: Occasional connection stability problems reported.