Analysis
NXP and Belkin Bring 6LoWPAN Connectivity to the Home
What if every device in your home had its own Internet IP address? At the 2012 International CES this week, NXP Semiconductors N.V. and Belkin International, Inc. will demonstrate a “smart home” network that allows you to control light bulbs – each with its own IPv6 address – using a smartphone or tablet. The network features a WeMo device from Belkin that enables mobile devices using Wi-Fi to interact securely with smart home appliances using JenNet-IP – NXP’s ultra-low-power wireless connectivity software based on 6LoWPAN and IEEE 802.15.4. The WeMo Home Automation demo will be featured in the NXP booth (CP8) and Belkin booth (South Hall #30651) at CES.
“We’ve released a series of tremendously popular smart lighting and smart home control videos on YouTube featuring JenNet-IP, and are often asked, ‘Where can I get the router?’” said Sean McGrath, general manager, smart home and energy product line, NXP Semiconductors. “At CES, you’ll see a number of solutions, including an easy-to-use WeMo device from Belkin you can attach to your home router, enabling it to serve as a secure gateway between your smartphone and the Internet-enabled appliances in your network using JenNet-IP. We’re very excited that Belkin, a world-class provider of connectivity solutions, is bringing JenNet-IP into its new WeMo Home Automation ecosystem.”“Our WeMo Home Automation platform makes it easy for Belkin partners to develop appliances for the Intelligent Home. Wi-Fi is everywhere and will play an important role, but at the same time, we need low-power networking options to connect smart appliances and smart meters monitoring energy usage. Using only one-tenth of the power required by Wi-Fi, JenNet-IP offers robust, ultra-low-power connectivity which can support dozens or even hundreds of devices in a smart home network,” said Kevin Ashton, general manager of Belkin’s Conserve Business Unit.