NXP and Belkin bring 6LoWPAN connectivity to the home

SINGAPORE: 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.