Silicon Labs and Cisco Make it Easier to Manage Wi-SUN Networks with New Open-Source Development
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Many smart devices and IoT makers are moving away from proprietary protocols towards standards-based open-source development to pursue innovation and greater device accessibility. Utility operators, for example—even though historically conservative and operating single vendor networks for Advanced Metering and Distribution Automation—are now trending towards multi-vendor standards-based protocols. However, transitions often come with new challenges, and the complexity of managing large-scale, IoT networks can be daunting.
Enter Wi-SUN Field Area Network (FAN). With its extensive coverage and range capabilities, Wi-SUN has become essential for bringing wireless connectivity to utilities, cities and municipalities. Its self-forming, self-healing IPv6 mesh functionality, coupled with multi-layered enterprise class security and high data throughput, make Wi-SUN FAN ideal for driving connectivity across large-scale outdoor networks and rugged environments, as well as industrial, battery-powered, and utility devices.
A Pioneer in Large-Scale Network Management: Cisco’s Field Network Director (FND)
As Field Area Network (FAN) increases in popularity, Cisco was one of the first to offer a scalable management solution through its Field Network Director (FND). Cisco FND proactively addresses the issues that come with managing these large-scale networks by building grid resiliency, enhancing visibility and providing better data to equip operators for decision-making.
Central to FND is Cisco’s CoAP Simple Management Protocol (CSMP), which is used by FND to manage large scale device deployments. CSMP is purpose built for million node, resource constrained networks to securely and efficiently provide lifecycle end-device management workflows including device registration, configuration, metrics reporting, and firmware management.
Although historically proprietary, Cisco recently decided to open CSMP to expand its use cases and extend Wi-SUN’s reach into new device types and silicon partners, allowing for a more diverse network through open standards. CSMP is a popular choice for device management within Wi-SUN FANs, which are deployed at scale for critical infrastructure such as utility metering, utility distribution automation, and municipal street lighting. However, Cisco knows there is untapped potential for more.
The Challenge
Utility device makers have found that managing large-scale, IoT networks can be complex and resource-intensive, sparking a need for innovative solutions that enable efficient and scalable network management.
The Solution
Cisco's well-established Field Network Director (FND), with the addition of CoAP Simple Management Protocol (CSMP) to the Silicon Labs’ EFR32FG25/26 devices, enables comprehensive, scalable, and secure management of large Wi-SUN Field Area Networks (FAN).
The Result
The collaboration has further extended Wi-SUN's existing reach into utility applications, increased FAN adoption, and improved device management with FND / CSMP—all to drive innovation and open-source development with increased device types for broader applications on the utility network.
Collaboration Sparks Innovation for Wi-SUN Networks
Cisco and Silicon Labs are working together to achieve this expansion by introducing CSMP to Silicon Labs’ EFR32FG25 and EFR32FG28 devices. This enables Silicon Labs to offer a full-system solution, providing Wi-SUN FAN and extending EFR32’s features to additional low-power nodes. Cisco FND and Silicon Labs’ EFR32FG25 and EFR32FG28 are a natural pairing, combining the premier tool for managing utility networks with the versatility of the EFR32 to accelerate open-source development, bringing new device types to Wi-SUN networks and drive new features within FND.
Large Scale Networks Are Here to Stay (and Scale)
Even an industry as conservative as the utility space has been keen to adopt FND to ensure grid resiliency and optimal utility management. The collaboration between Silicon Labs and Cisco to enable CSMP on EFR32 devices and increase Wi-SUN-FND compatibility is yet another example of how the industry is looking for expansion and openness. What’s more, CSMP’s recent open-source nature allows partners to build solutions managed under the already-proven FND tool.
At Silicon Labs and Cisco, connectivity is more than a buzzword. We’re excited to continue contributing to the rise of large-scale IoT networks and open-source development.