Digi International and Silicon Labs Unveil End-to-End Wi-SUN® Solution for Smart Cities, Utilities, Renewable Energy, and Industrial IoT
Digi International, a global leader in Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solutions, has announced the upcoming launch of the Digi XBee® for Wi-SUN® solution, designed to simplify and accelerate the deployment of secure, interoperable IP-based mesh networks. This breakthrough targets smart city, utility, renewable energy, and industrial IoT applications.
The Power of Wi-SUN
Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network) is an IPv6-based sub-GHz mesh networking standard that has become the backbone of large-scale IoT deployments. Built on the IEEE 802.15.4g standard and overseen by the Wi-SUN Alliance®, a global consortium of more than 300 members, Wi-SUN is already proven in mission-critical applications, with over 100 million devices deployed worldwide.
Its strengths include:
- Self-healing mesh networking for reliability.
- Flexibility to support both battery-powered and mains-powered nodes.
- Scalable data rates from 50 kbps to 2.4 Mbps to meet different application needs.
- Open standards ensuring interoperability, enterprise-grade security, and scalability from a single site to nationwide deployments.
The Digi XBee for Wi-SUN Solution
The new Digi XBee for Wi-SUN solution integrates hardware, software, and cloud management into a unified ecosystem. Key components include:
Modules
- Based on Silicon Labs’ EFR32 platform, Digi XBee modules function as intelligent mesh nodes.
- Equipped with MicroPython edge processing for local intelligence.
- Optional Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) support for provisioning or sensor connectivity.
Border Routers
- Digi XBee Hive™ Border Routers serve as Wi-SUN gateways.
- Support LTE, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet backhaul.
- Offer container-based edge computing for flexible deployments.
- Provide IPv6/IPv4 address translation, ensuring seamless integration with existing IT networks.
Network Management Tools
- Digi Remote Manager®: a cloud-based platform for monitoring, updates, container deployment, and enterprise integration via open APIs.
- Digi XBee Studio: local development and field-support tools for faster deployment and troubleshooting.
Security
The solution leverages Digi TrustFence® security framework and Silicon Labs’ PSA Level 3-certified Secure Vault High™, adding hardware-level protection against evolving cybersecurity threats.
Driving Interoperability and Value
Digi emphasizes its commitment to interoperability through the Wi-SUN CERTIFIED™ program, ensuring compatibility with existing Wi-SUN ecosystems. Unique features, such as support for Cisco OpenCSMP, create pathways for integrating with current utility networks. This opens opportunities for infrastructure sharing, cutting deployment costs, and extending Wi-SUN’s value beyond traditional metering into broader smart city and industrial IoT applications.
Industry Voices
Rob Shane, Vice President of Mass Market Sales and Applications at Silicon Labs, highlighted the importance of this innovation:
“Solutions like Digi XBee for Wi-SUN are essential in making the advanced capabilities of Wi-SUN broadly accessible. They reduce product development complexity while enabling customers to focus on delivering innovation in real-world applications.”
Mike Rohrmoser, Vice President of Product Management, OEM Solutions at Digi International, added:
“Working with Silicon Labs, we are delivering the industry’s first complete Wi-SUN end-to-end solution that is interoperable and optimized to work seamlessly together from day one. By combining our expertise, we empower customers across industries to fully harness secure, standards-based IP mesh networking.”
Unlocking the Future of IoT
With this end-to-end Wi-SUN offering, Digi and Silicon Labs are setting a new benchmark for scalable, secure, and interoperable IoT networks. The solution is expected to enable next-generation smart infrastructure, renewable energy management, and industrial IoT deployments worldwide.
