TI SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3000 module simplifies home network setup and improves user experience

USA: With the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution, new devices are wirelessly connected to the home network and to the cloud. However, headless devices with no keypads or touchscreens including garage door openers, home appliances, lights, thermostats and treadmills can be complicated to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) offers developers a solution to these challenges with its latest SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3000 module available from TI. The self-contained module features the unique SmartConfig technology, a Wi-Fi configuration process developed by TI that allows multiple in-home devices without displays to connect to a Wi-Fi network via a smartphone or tablet—in just one easy step.

The CC3000 module now also supports service discovery applications on phones, tablets and PCs using Bonjour zero-configuration networking technology, making it easier for consumers to quickly identify and manage networked devices. The SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3000 module is compatible with low-cost, low-memory microcontroller (MCU) systems, such as TI's MSP430 family.

"The need to easily connect display-less devices to the wireless network has become a barrier to wide deployment of connected-home products," said Gil Reiter, marketing director, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI.

"With TI's SmartConfig technology, ODMs can reduce the complexity of consumers' in-home provisioning through a simple Wi-Fi setup application for smartphones or tablets that gets a SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3000-enabled device on the network with just one click. Once devices are connected, the consumer's experience gets even better with intuitive service discovery capabilities that allow for easy device control and monitoring."