IoT connectivity provider Digi has announced the upcoming availability of an XBee for Wi-Sun offering 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 is an IPv6-based sub-GHz mesh networking technology for IoT applications. Built on IEEE 802.15.4g standards and governed by the Wi-Sun Alliance (wi-sun.org) 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 battery-operated and powered infrastructure nodes, with adaptable data rates from 50kbit/s to 2.4Mbit/s to match applications. 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 XBee for Wi-Sun product (www.digi.com/products/embedded-systems/digi-xbee/wi-sun) are designed to work together seamlessly:

• Modules: Built on Silicon Labs’ EFR32 platform, the XBee for Wi-Sun modules (www.digi.com/products/embedded-systems/digi-xbee/rf-modules/sub-1-ghz-rf-modules/digi-xbee-for-wi-sun) 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 gateways with built-in connectivity (LTE, wifi, 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-three-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 components let users 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 at Silicon Labs (www.silabs.com). “They reduce product development complexity, while allowing customers to focus on delivering innovation in real-world applications.”

Digi’s commitment to interoperability should ensure compatibility with the existing Wi-Sun ecosystem through the official Wi-Sun Certified programme. Additionally, 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 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 at Digi (www.digi.com). “By combining our expertise, we enable customers across industries to harness the full potential of secure, standards-based IP mesh networking with WI-Sun.”

To learn more about Digi XBee for Wi-Sun, upcoming availability, visit www.digi.com/wi-sun.