March 22, 2010

The ZigBee and WiFi alliances will collaborate on wireless home area networks (HANs) for smart grid applications. The initial focus will be ZigBee Smart Energy 2.0, which is the next-generation energy management protocol for smart grid-enabled homes based on the ZigBee Smart Energy Profile. ZigBee Smart Energy 2.0 is expected to operate over WiFi technology as a result of the collaboration.

The two organizations will identify opportunities to use ZigBee Smart
Energy 2.0, capitalizing on the strengths and capabilities of their
respective technologies. This will expand the utility of the HAN in the
management of energy-consuming or -producing devices. ZigBee Smart
Energy 2.0 was selected last year by the U.S. Department of Energy and
the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as an initial
interoperable standard for HAN devices.

The agreement between the two organizations will help deliver close
integration of the two communication technologies in a smart home
environment, say the partners. This environment will include devices
ranging from utility meters, thermostats and appliances to home
entertainment devices, computing systems and automobiles.

“Wi-Fi is a major global success and an important wireless networking
technology for the home environment,” said Bob Heile, ZigBee Alliance
chair. “Our collaboration will help spur further innovation in solutions
for the smart grid.”

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