The 6LoWPAN Ethernet Border-Router highlights the major strength of IP connectivity for IEEE802.15.4-based low-power wireless applications. In the implementation, IPv6 packets are simply passed from the wired to wireless domains without modification or consideration for any high-layer protocol, demonstrating the true scalability of IP. This is unlike many other IEEE802.15.4-based solutions that require a gateway performing protocol translation to interface into the IP world.
Housed in a durable enclosure, the 6LoWPAN Ethernet Border-Router is a mains-powered unit, with an RJ45 connection to the wired Ethernet network and SMA antenna for wireless 6LoWPAN/IEEE802.15.4 access. LED indicators are provided on the front of the case to indicate power, link, speed, and activity.
Out of the box, the 6LoWPAN Evaluation Kit demonstrates UDP message exchange between a network of 6LoWPAN wireless sensors and any IPv6-based PC located on the Ethernet network or anywhere on the Internet. Message exchange is bi-directional, enabling sensor and control data to pass between the wireless sensors and the PC. UDP being one of the core members of the IP protocol suite was an obvious choice for application communication because it is well suited to the data characteristics of low-power wireless sensor networking; equally, it is already an industry-recognized standard.
Geoff Mulligan, Chairman of the IPSO Alliance, said, "I have been working along side Jennic for some time now, and it's been great watching the progress they have made with their 6LoWPAN product, and especially as the market for the "Internet of Things" gains more and more momentum. There is no doubt that the availability of their 6LoWPAN Ethernet Border-Router as part of their evaluation kit will enable customers to rapidly explore the benefits of true open and international standards–based IP connectivity for low-power wireless."
"Our 6LoWPAN solution forms part of a global sensor connectivity demonstration that is being showcased by the IPSO Alliance at the Networld + Interop event over the next three days in Las Vegas" said Jimi Simpson, Jennic's 6LoWPAN Product Manager. "We are a Promoter member of the IPSO Alliance and play a significant role in their interoperability events, and this one is a great opportunity to show to the world that 6LoWPAN technology is here and ready to use".
Supported on Jennic's feature rich JN5139-001 wireless microcontroller platform, Jennic's 6LoWPAN product portfolio provides customers with the comprehensive tools and kits for evaluation and development, and a complete range of wireless module offerings for low-volume production and rapid time to market.
About Jennic
Jennic is a fabless semiconductor company, leading the wireless connectivity revolution by providing wireless microcontrollers for a broad range of applications in the energy, environment, asset tracking, and consumer markets. The company's products include state-of-the-art low-power wireless microcontrollers, modules, development platforms, and protocol and application software, with a focus on IEEE802.15.4, ZigBee, and 6LoWPAN standards. Headquartered in Sheffield, U.K., Jennic provides first-class sales and support worldwide.
About the IPSO Alliance
The IPSO Alliance is a global nonprofit organization, serving the various communities seeking to establish the Internet Protocol as the basis for connecting smart objects by providing coordinated marketing efforts available to the general public. The alliance's purpose is to provide a foundation for industry growth through building stronger relationships, fostering awareness, providing education, promoting the industry, generating research, and creating a better understanding of IP and its role in connecting smart objects.