Certified Wi-SUN Technology from the Leader in IoT

overview

What is Wi-SUN?

Wi-SUN (Wireless Smart Ubiquitous Network) is the leading IPv6 sub-GHz mesh technology, and a wireless communication standard that facilitates seamless connectivity among smart-grid devices. It’s designed for large-scale outdoor IoT networks, such as wireless mesh networks for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), home energy management, and distribution automation. Wi-SUN is based on the IEEE 802.15.4g standard for the physical layer and the IEEE 802.15.4e standard for the MAC layer, ensuring low power consumption and high scalability. The Wi-SUN Alliance is responsible for the development of the standard and is a global ecosystem of member companies seeking to accelerate the implementation of Field Area Networks (FAN) and Internet of Things (IoT), and Silicon Labs is a proud Wi-SUN Alliance Promoter Member.

How Does Wi-SUN Work?

Wi-SUN utilizes mesh networking to enable long-range, low-power communication for smart city, utility, and industrial IoT applications. Operating on un-licensed Sub-GHz frequencies, it ensures scalability, reliability, and security. Wi-SUN supports extensive networks with self-healing and self-forming nodes, capable of covering wide areas with minimal infrastructure.

Why Partner with Silicon Labs for
Wi-SUN?

Silicon Labs has been at the forefront of Wi-SUN standard development for over a decade. With a rich history of Wi-SUN certified devices, a certified stack, comprehensive range of reference designs and development tools, Silicon Labs offers a one-stop-shop solution for all your smart city projects and more. The company received its first Wi-SUN certification in April 2021 and recently achieved the FAN1.1 profile and PHY certifications. The FAN 1.1 certification includes high throughput OFDM support, underscoring Silicon Labs' commitment to advancing Wi-SUN technology and providing robust solutions for IoT applications.

Wi-SUN certifications

Wi-SUN FAN certificates are part of the certification program developed by the Wi-SUN Alliance to ensure devices meet specific standards for interoperability and security in Field Area Networks (FAN). These certificates verify that devices comply with the Wi-SUN FAN profile, which includes rigorous testing for communication protocols, security features, and performance. FAN 1.1 certificates are listed below for ready reference:

• FAN 1.1 Profile (Border Router) Product Certificate - WSA0392
• FAN 1.1 Profile (Router) Product Certificate - WSA0391
• FAN 1.1 PHY Certificate (900 MHz) - EFR32FG25 - WSA0373
• FAN 1.1 PHY Certificate (800 MHz) - EFR32FG25 - WSA0345

WiSUN FAN 1.1 Options

FAN 1.1 offers three main options:

1. FAN 1.1 Core (aka FAN 1.0+): This builds upon FAN 1.0 with just one new feature PAN - wide Information Elements, enabling broader information sharing across the network.
2. FAN 1.1 High Performance (HP): This option caters to devices needing more processing power. It introduces Full Function Nodes (FFNs) for tasks requiring robust functionality and SUN-OFDM PHYs. Another notable feature that was introduced by FAN1.1 specification is ‘Mode Switch’ that means modulation and date rate negotiation between nodes is possible. Supported on both FG25 (FSK and OFDM) and FG28 (FSKonly)
3. FAN 1.1 Low Energy (LE): This option focuses on minimizing power consumption for battery-powered devices. It introduces Limited Function Nodes (LFNs). FAN 1.1 LFN is supported by EFR32FG28 (FSK only) and EFR32FG25 (FSK & OFDM).