The new specification is to set a standard for creating an interoperable, multi-vendor Smart Ubiquitous Networks, or SUN, as enterprise, service providers and municipalities are clamoring for an open source, interoperable IoT mesh networking standards to build applications ranging from advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and distribution automation to infrastructure management to intelligent transportation systems and smart street lighting.
"The release of the Wi-SUN FAN specification comes at an ideal time, with utilities and municipalities worldwide needing the best solution for integrated applications designed for smart grids and smart cities," said Wi-SUN's Chairman, Phil Beecher . "Using the Wi-SUN Alliance FAN delivers the performance they require and a wide choice of interoperable products and solutions from multiple vendors."
Wi-SUN's Director of Standards, Bob Heile , who is also chair of IEEE 802.15, IEEE 2030.5 on Smart Energy and the IEEE 2030 SmartGrid Guide Communications Task Force, agrees. "As the industry need for Smart City and robust, secure IoT deployments grows, it becomes increasingly necessary to move away from closed, proprietary protocols to solutions using open internationally recognized standards. The Wi-SUN FAN solution is ideal for these applications, providing multi-vendor interoperable, multi-service and secure IPv6 communications over an IEEE 802.15.4g based wireless mesh network."
The Wi-SUN Alliance FAN solution is based on IEEE 802.15.4g, a global wireless communications standard, IETF IPv6 protocols including UDP/TCP, 6LoWPAN adaptation + header compression, routing using RPL and IEEE 802.1x enterprise level security, to enable robust, high performance, low power and long-range networks. A certification program will be available later this year to ensure full multi-vendor interoperability.
Wi-SUN Alliance SUN solutions provide resilient, secure, cost effective and energy friendly wireless-mesh connectivity, with superior coverage in a range of topographical environments, from dense urban neighborhoods to rural areas, with minimal additional infrastructure. Rather than use networks intended for indoor applications, the Wi-SUN solution set uniquely targets the much more demanding needs of Utilities, Smart Cities and Infrastructure Management and Control including support for both resource rich as well as resource limited devices.