Wi-SUN unveils low-energy IoT certification for cities
Wi-SUN Alliance has launched a new Internet of Things network certification for utilities and smart cities deploying advanced metering infrastructure and large-scale connected infrastructure.
The scheme, called FAN 1.1 Low Energy Certification, covers low-power devices that run on batteries or energy harvesting. Wi-SUN Alliance said it also covers operation alongside higher-performance applications in a single Wi-SUN Field Area Network.
Wi-SUN positions the certification around interoperability across multiple vendors and a single standards-based network as deployments increase in size. The group said the approach reduces the operational burden of running separate networks for different device classes.
"With the introduction of Low Energy, Wi-SUN FAN 1.1 enables infrastructure operators to support a wider range of device types within a single network architecture," said Phil Beecher, President and CEO, Wi-SUN Alliance.
"Utilities, municipalities, and solution providers can now operate long-life, low-power endpoints and higher-performance applications together, reducing complexity while maintaining the reliability, security, and interoperability required for large-scale deployments," said Beecher.
Low Energy scope
Wi-SUN Alliance said FAN 1.1 Low Energy extends Wi-SUN FAN for devices designed for long operational life and minimal power use. It cited battery-powered endpoints with lifetimes of 10 to 20 years using primary cells. It also cited solar-powered devices with integrated rechargeable batteries.
The organisation said low-energy nodes can participate natively in a Wi-SUN FAN mesh network. It said these nodes can operate alongside higher-throughput devices without parallel networks or protocol handoffs.
The group framed the certification around use cases in smart cities and utility networks. It said deployments can include meters, sensors, and infrastructure endpoints across a single network architecture.
High-Performance link
Wi-SUN Alliance said Low Energy builds on the existing High-Performance profile in FAN 1.1. It described High-Performance as a profile for applications that require higher data rates and low latency. It cited electric and gas metering as examples.
The organisation said Low Energy and High-Performance can operate together under FAN 1.1. It said this arrangement covers device classes and data profiles that previously required separate technologies.
Wi-SUN also pointed to sub-gigahertz deployments in particular. It said operators have often split these networks across multiple technologies to handle different power and data requirements.
Operational complexity
Wi-SUN Alliance said operators face complexity when they manage multiple wireless technologies. It said each technology has its own operating model, tools, and lifecycle considerations. The organisation positioned FAN 1.1 Low Energy as a way to keep diverse performance requirements inside one standards-based network.
It listed smart city deployments such as street lighting, traffic systems, smart parking, signage, and waste management. It also pointed to utility, municipal and regional infrastructure monitoring.
The group also cited industrial and commercial sensing applications. It referenced campus- and city-scale IoT networks that require long device life and predictable performance.
Certification focus
Wi-SUN Alliance said its certification programmes aim to ensure interoperability across vendors. It said the FAN 1.1 Low Energy certification gives device makers, solution providers, and network operators confidence that certified products will work together in real-world environments.
The organisation said the certification builds on Wi-SUN FAN security and mesh networking features. It said it extends those features to low-energy devices designed for operation across decades.
Wi-SUN Alliance said the FAN 1.1 Low Energy Certification Program is available now. It said it will announce certified products and participating vendors as devices complete the certification process.