In a Multi-PAN environment, multiple independent Wi-SUN networks operate in the same geographic area, each with its own Border Router and unique PAN ID. These networks coexist without interfering, allowing operators to partition deployments by ownership, function, or frequency plan.

This approach provides flexibility for shared infrastructure or multi-tenant scenarios, where several organizations or business units deploy separate networks in proximity.

Key characteristics

  • Each PAN (Personal Area Network) has a unique PAN ID and operates independently.

  • Border Routers manage their own routing domains and security credentials.

  • Nodes join the PAN corresponding to their configured credentials or frequency settings.

  • Coexistence mechanisms minimize interference between nearby networks.

When to use

Choose a multi-PAN environment if:

  • Different teams, customers, or applications require isolated Wi-SUN networks.

  • You need to partition large deployments by region, department, or security domain.

  • Multiple service providers or tenants operate within the same area.

  • You want to pilot or stage networks independently before merging them.

Ideal for multi-tenant or departmental deployments requiring logical separation.

Pros and cons

  • Pros

    • Allows complete separation of ownership, management, and security policies.

    • Enables independent scaling or upgrades per PAN.

    • Minimizes risk of cross-network misconfiguration.

    • Ideal for co-located deployments or test environments.

  • Cons

    • Each PAN is isolated — communication between them must occur through an upstream system or application layer.

    • Operating multiple PANs increases administrative and maintenance overhead.

    • Poorly planned PAN layouts can lead to duplicated infrastructure or inefficient resource use.

Considerations

Multi-PAN environment deployments require:

  • Security management: Maintain separate keying material and authentication for each PAN.

  • Inter-PAN communication: If data exchange is needed, route it through upstream IP networks.

  • Monitoring: Use centralized tools to view and manage multiple PANs from a single dashboard.