The Digi Wi-SUN solution consists of two main hardware components that work together to create a secure, scalable, and flexible wireless mesh network:

In addition, Digi provides software tools and services to configure, monitor, and manage Wi-SUN networks efficiently. These tools simplify setup, testing, and long-term operation, ensuring that your deployment remains stable and maintainable:

XBee Hive for Wi-SUN or Wi-SUN Border Router

In Digi’s Wi-SUN solution, the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN device acts as the Wi-SUN Border Router. It runs on the DAL (Digi Accelerated Linux) platform, a secure, Linux-based environment with advanced networking, routing, and management capabilities.

The Border Router is the central access point of the Wi-SUN mesh. It establishes the PAN (Personal Area Network), authenticates and onboards new devices, and routes IPv6 traffic between the Wi-SUN network and external IP infrastructures such as Ethernet, cellular, or Wi-Fi. It also enforces security policies and provides management and diagnostic capabilities through Digi tools and services.

Together, these functions make the Border Router the foundation for secure, large-scale Wi-SUN deployments.

Learn more about XBee Hive for Wi-SUN devices in the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN Border Router section.

XBee for Wi-SUN devices or Wi-SUN nodes

In Digi’s Wi-SUN solution, XBee for Wi-SUN devices act as the mesh nodes. Each device implements the Wi-SUN FAN (Field Area Network) standard, allowing it to connect over long distances and communicate using IPv6 through self-forming, self-healing links.

Depending on configuration, an XBee for Wi-SUN device can act as a router node or a leaf node. See the Device roles section to learn more about these roles.

Beyond basic mesh participation, XBee for Wi-SUN nodes integrate:

  • Full IPv6 support with UDP/TCP connectivity.

  • A MicroPython runtime for local application logic and control.

  • AT and API command interfaces for host integration and automation.

  • Power-management modes for battery-operated use cases.

These capabilities allow XBee for Wi-SUN devices to serve as intelligent edge nodes—able to collect, process, and relay data within or across Wi-SUN networks.

Learn more about XBee for Wi-SUN devices in the XBee for Wi-SUN nodes section.

Digi XBee Studio

Digi XBee Studio is a desktop application that simplifies configuration, firmware management, and network testing for Digi devices. It supports both XBee for Wi-SUN and XBee Hive for Wi-SUN devices and provides:

  • Automatic device discovery on connected interfaces.

  • Configuration editors and consoles for setting parameters and testing communication.

  • Firmware update utilities to keep devices current.

  • Network visualization tools to understand device relationships.

  • Test features to validate connectivity and data flow.

By combining these features in a single interface, XBee Studio simplifies setup and troubleshooting, helping configure networks quickly and accurately.

To get more information about XBee Studio, visit the XBee Studio User Guide

Digi Remote Manager

Digi Remote Manager extends management and monitoring to the cloud. It complements XBee Studio by extending visibility and control beyond local connections and is particularly valuable in large-scale deployments.

Remote Manager helps ensure networks remain consistent, secure, and scalable by providing:

  • Remote fleet management, including network-level settings and device-level consistency through the Configurations feature.

  • Secure over-the-air mass firmware updates.

  • Centralized management of network certificates.

  • Dashboards for real-time status and health monitoring.

  • Configurable alerts for key events or performance changes.

By enforcing stability and providing remote visibility, Remote Manager keeps Wi-SUN networks secure, consistent, and manageable throughout their lifecycle.

To get more information about Digi Remote Manager, visit the Digi Remote Manager User Guide

How they work together

The overall workflow for building and managing a Digi Wi-SUN network follows these main steps:

  1. Border Router configuration: The Border Router is set up in XBee Studio, where network parameters and credentials defining the Wi-SUN PAN are specified. Once configured, it initializes the network and enforces security policies by validating devices that attempt to join, using either Digi-issued or customer-provided certificates.

  2. Wi-SUN nodes configuration and deployment: The XBee for Wi-SUN devices are configured in XBee Studio with matching network parameters to those of the Border Router’s PAN. After deployment, the nodes automatically join the mesh and begin participating in routing and data exchange.

  3. Network goes online: When the Border Router’s upstream interfaces are configured, it enables data flow between the Wi-SUN mesh and external IP networks, allowing communication with cloud services or other systems.

  4. Operation and management at scale: Digi Remote Manager provides centralized visibility and control for multiple networks and Border Routers. It supports remote configuration, firmware updates, and ongoing performance monitoring, ensuring consistent operation across large deployments.