And to all of you who responded. I am sorry that I did not respond for two days after having started the thread. Currently running around like a zombie on a 5am to 11 pm schedule. ( also the reason why I was absent for such a long time )

Jerson :

Thanks for your valuable and detailed inputs. I will check them out shortly and revert in case of any hold ups. For me RF modules are also OK if they can deliver the goods and I am not looking for a long range - just under 50 meter.

Vignesh :

Yes I understand your problems as a student to source components in India. For most part of the responses from dealers, I do think they also may have a point : many a student just needs 1 or 2 odd item and wants to wind up with the sample for his project. And servicing such 1 or 2 chips COULD be a problem as the cost of invoicing could be more than the sale. BUT THAT IS NO REASON TO BE RUDE. A polite refusal is just fine.

If you have any apprehensions on importing a few modules, I can help you out. ( incidentally they all come with regular invoices but in USD or Euro. The problem is in fixing the exchange rate to claim in Indian Rupees. For this I use my Credit Card statement entry as all on-line purchases are done with these )

Going by your posts, looks like you have browsed quite a bit on the ZigBee stuff and yes I am happy also that this thread provided so much information.

thanks guys.

Raghu