XBee Hive for Wi-SUN The XBee Hive for Wi-SUN is Digi’s Wi-SUN Border Router, built on the DAL (Digi Accelerated Linux) platform. It forms and secures the Wi-SUN mesh, authenticates which XBee for Wi-SUN devices may join, and bridges the mesh to upstream IP networks.

Role

The XBee Hive for Wi-SUN plays a central role in any Digi Wi-SUN solution by:

  • Creating the PAN: Starts the network with the desired configuration.

  • Controlling admission: Verifies identity and authorizes XBee for Wi-SUN nodes to join.

  • Routing traffic: Moves IPv6 packets between the mesh and external IP networks.

  • Providing local services: Offers configuration and diagnostics (web UI, CLI, logs) and integrates with Digi Remote Manager for centralized fleet management.

Key capabilities

Networking and backhaul

As the link between the mesh and external networks, the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN provides networking and backhaul features such as:

  • Upstream connectivity: Bridges the Wi-SUN mesh to IP networks (Ethernet, and model-dependent cellular backhaul).

  • IPv6 first: Native IPv6 routing; supports common upstream scenarios (dual-stack, single-stack IPv6).

  • VPN options: Supports standards-based tunneling for secure backhaul (for example, WireGuard or IPsec).

  • Local services: DHCP, DNS proxy/forward, and routing features suitable for edge deployments.

Model capabilities may vary. Refer to your specific hardware SKU for exact WAN/LAN options.

Security and enrollment

To keep the Wi-SUN network secure and reliable, the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN enforces admission and device identity through:

  • Device authentication/authorization: Acts as the Wi-SUN authenticator to admit only trusted nodes.

  • Certificate management: Uses device/CA certificates; supports provisioning of customer PKI where required.

  • Hardened OS foundation: DAL platform security features, user roles, encrypted services, and signed firmware.

Management and tooling

For both local configuration and large-scale fleet operations, the XBee Hive for Wi-SUN supports management through:

  • Local management: Web UI and CLI for configuration, status, and diagnostics.

  • Fleet operations: Integrates with Digi Remote Manager for configuration enforcement, OTA firmware updates, alerts, and dashboards.

  • Developer-friendly: Export/import of configs, logs, and support for scripted/templated setup through Digi tooling.