NXP to make its IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless
n/w software an open source
NXP Semiconductors N.V. said it intent to make its JenNet-IP
ultra-low-power, IEEE 802.15.4-based wireless connectivity
network layer software available under an Open Source license.
This is to support the new emerging concept called "Internet
of Things." in which every device has an IP address
and could be monitored and controlled via a secure Internet
connection. According to NXP the major roadblock to adoption
has been the proliferation of different networking software
variants for different applications. By releasing JenNet-IP's
network layer software under an Open Source license and
supporting an active community of developers and users,
NXP aims to simplify the effort required to add "smart"
connectivity and two-way communication into a wide range
of devices, and help to establish a cross-application standard
for wireless connectivity in both residential and industrial
environments. The first Open Source release of JenNet-IP
software is scheduled for Q4 2011.
"Imagine a world in which every device has an IP address,
and can be wirelessly controlled as part of a highly secure,
robust network of 500 devices. You could monitor and control
every device in your home via your smartphone, tablet, PC
or TV - or manage entire 'smart' offices, buildings and
factories. From intelligent lighting networks to smart appliances,
from security surveillance systems to energy management
- the possibilities are tremendous. By open-sourcing JenNet-IP
software, we hope to unleash the creativity of thousands
of application developers around the world, and work with
a broader community to establish a true standard for ultra-low-power
wireless control networks in both residential and industrial
environments," said Mark Hamersma, senior vice president
and general manager, emerging High Performance Mixed Signal
businesses, NXP Semiconductors.
In another related announcement , NXP announced the introduction
of its GreenChip smart lighting solution supporting Internet-enabled,
energy-efficient lighting network. JenNet-IP software provides
the low-power wireless connectivity in this solution.
"As various wireless technologies compete in the emerging
Smart Home market, one that can achieve a significant breakthrough
in system cost has the opportunity to drive mass adoption
of home automation by mainstream consumers," said Mark
Hung, research director, Gartner. "To establish itself
as the standard, it will be key to draw on broad-based support
from the entire ecosystem, including key players in the
lighting, energy metering, and home appliance markets."
JenNet-IP is an enhanced 6LoWPAN network layer specifically
targeting ultra-low-power networking based on IEEE 802.15.4
for both residential and industrial applications. Currently
in use with lead customers including IBM and TCP, JenNet-IP
is can scale to support large networks up to 500 devices;
designed to work with or without Internet gateways.
"NXP is making a valuable contribution to the open-source
community with its release of JenNet-IP," said IBM
Fellow John Cohn. "As buildings and their systems become
more interconnected and instrumented, software such as JenNet
and IP standards such as 6LoWPAN will form a critical network
for the type of advanced communications and control that
IBM is envisioning with upcoming smarter silicon solutions."
TCP, the largest CFL lighting manufacturer in North America,
is using a combination of NXP silicon and JenNet-IP software
in its Smart Lighting products. "Using NXP technology,
we're bringing Internet-enabled, energy-efficient lighting
solutions to market at an affordable price that will help
to drive broad-based consumer adoption. By opening its wireless
connectivity software, NXP is opening the door to a whole
new world of innovation, in which 'smarter lights' are able
to tie in exciting ways with applications like e-metering,
white goods and home energy management," said Jim Crowcroft,
vice president of marketing for TCP.
"As a founding member of the IETF 6lowpan Working
Group, NXP has made important contributions to standards
for 'Mesh Under' networking. We welcome NXP's intent to
open-source its software to further drive the adoption of
wireless IPv6 networking for the Internet of Things in the
broadest sense," said Geoff Mulligan, co-chair of IETF
6lowpan Working Group and chair, IP for Smart Objects (IPSO)
Alliance.
The first Open Source release of JenNet-IP is planned for
Q4 2011. Further information on JenNet-IP is available at:
http://www.nxp.com/jennic
