Digi International recently announced the upcoming availability of the Digi XBee for Wi-SUN solution. This offering is engineered to simplify and accelerate the rollout of interoperable and secure IP-based mesh networks for smart city, utility, renewable energy, and industrial IoT applications.
Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network) is a IPv6-based sub-GHz mesh networking technology for IoT applications. Built on IEEE 802.15.4g standards and governed by the Wi-SUN Alliance with over 300 members, Wi-SUN creates self-healing wireless mesh networks that have proven their reliability through over 100 million devices deployed globally in mission-critical applications.
The technology supports both battery-operated and powered infrastructure nodes, with adaptable data rates from 50 kbps to 2.4 Mbps to match application-specific requirements. The open standards-based approach of the Wi-SUN protocol delivers enterprise-grade security, interoperability across multiple vendors, and scalable connectivity from single sites to entire regions.
All components of the Digi XBee for Wi-SUN solution are designed to work together seamlessly:
- Modules: built on Silicon Labs’ EFR32 platform, Digi XBee for Wi-SUN modules serve as smart mesh nodes with local MicroPython edge processing, and optional Bluetooth LE connectivity for sensor connectivity or provisioning
- Border Routers: Digi XBee Hive Border Routers act as cost-effective Wi-SUN network gateways with built-in connectivity (LTE, Wi-Fi, Ethernet), container-based edge computing, and features such as IPv6/IP4 address translation for simplified integration into existing network environments
- Network Management Tools: Digi Remote Manager is the Cloud-based command centre for network and device management, health monitoring, remote updates, managed container deployment, and enterprise system integration options through open APIs, while Digi XBee Studio offers local development and on-site field support tools
Building on Wi-SUN’s robust security foundation, Digi TrustFence also integrates Silicon Labs’ PSA Level 3-certified Secure Vault High on both modules and border routers, providing a strong additional layer of hardware-anchored protection against cyber security attacks.
Together, the solution components allow customers to build, deploy, and manage Edge-intelligent and secure Wi-SUN networks at scale.
“Solutions like Digi XBee for Wi-SUN are essential in making the advanced capabilities of Wi-SUN broadly accessible,” said Rob Shane, Vice President of Mass Market Sales and Applications, Silicon Labs. “They reduce product development complexity, while allowing customers to focus on delivering innovation in real-world applications.”
Digi’s dedication to interoperability will ensure compatibility with the existing Wi-SUN ecosystem through the official Wi-SUN CERTIFIED programme. In addition, unique features such as Digi’s support for Cisco OpenCSMP create the potential for future integration with existing utility Wi-SUN networks, enabling infrastructure sharing opportunities that can reduce deployment costs and deliver new, significant value for smart city and industrial IoT applications beyond traditional utility metering.
“Working with Silicon Labs, we are delivering the industry’s first complete Wi-SUN end-to-end solution that is interoperable and optimised to work seamlessly together from day one,” said Mike Rohrmoser, Vice President of Product Management, OEM Solutions, Digi International. “By combining our expertise, we enable customers across industries to harness the full potential of secure, standards-based IP mesh networking with WI-SUN.”
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