The XBee Hive for Wi-SUN serves as the Border Router node for the Wi-SUN network, acting as the critical bridge between your Wi-SUN mesh network and the broader networking infrastructure. As the central hub of the Wi-SUN network, the border router is responsible for:

  • Operating and managing the Wi-SUN mesh network.

  • Coordinating device communication within the mesh.

  • Providing connectivity options between the Wi-SUN network and your local network or the Internet.

The border router’s upstream networking configuration determines how your Wi-SUN devices connect to and communicate with external networks. Depending on your deployment requirements, network infrastructure, and connectivity needs, you can choose from several upstream networking scenarios.

Upstream networking options

The following upstream networking configurations are available for the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN:

Choosing the right configuration

When selecting an upstream networking configuration, consider:

  • Security requirements: Whether you need isolated operation or external connectivity

  • Existing network infrastructure: IPv4, IPv6, or dual-stack support

  • Scalability needs: Static vs. dynamic address assignment

  • Remote access requirements: VPN tunneling for secure remote connectivity