With this kit, you have explored Digi’s Wi-SUN solution through a series of guided exercises that demonstrate IPv6 communication, edge intelligence, routing, and customizable network behavior. By using XBee Studio, you formed a functional Wi-SUN mesh network and evaluated both basic and advanced capabilities.

Key achievements

As part of this guide, you have:

  • Used XBee Studio’s Quick Setup feature to automatically configure the Wi-SUN Border Router and nodes.

  • Verified IPv6 connectivity between devices within the Network.

  • Executed UDP-based communication tests using XBee Studio terminals.

  • Implemented edge intelligence by running Python/MicroPython applications on both the Border Router and nodes.

  • Validated the routing role of the Border Router by enabling connectivity between the local area network (LAN) and Wi-SUN nodes.

  • Measured and optimized network throughput by modifying device and protocol-level parameters.

  • Connected the XBee Hive Wi-SUN device to Digi Remote Manager and validated cloud access over both Ethernet and cellular connectivity.

Demo components review

Here is a brief overview of the components and their roles in the demonstration:

  • XBee Hive Wi-SUN (Border Router):

    • Forms and manages the Wi-SUN network.

    • Routes IPv6 traffic between the LAN and PAN.

    • Hosts Python scripts for data exchange and processing.

    • Acts as the cloud-facing gateway, enabling remote access and management through Digi Remote Manager.

  • XBee Wi-SUN modules:

    • Operate as Wi-SUN nodes within the PAN.

    • Join the network automatically some time after configuration.

    • Run MicroPython scripts to send and receive packets or sensor data.

  • XBee Studio:

    • Configures and manages devices through Quick Setup and direct parameter editing.

    • Offers tools to verify communication, run scripts, and observe network performance.

    • Facilitates real-time testing and visualization of network behavior.

    • Registers the Border Router with Digi Remote Manager and manages cloud credentials.

  • Digi Remote Manager:

    • Provides cloud-based visibility and control of the Border Router.

    • Enables remote actions such as rebooting, configuration updates, and firmware management.

    • Allows device access and monitoring over both Ethernet and cellular connections.

Recap of testing scenarios

Throughout the guide, you engaged in multiple test scenarios to validate and explore network behavior:

  • Basic connectivity tests: Used console and terminal tools in XBee Studio to confirm UDP packet exchange across the mesh.

  • Edge intelligence demonstration: Ran coordinated Python and MicroPython applications to simulate real-world use cases with autonomous device behavior.

  • Routing evaluation: Verified that the Border Router effectively bridges communication between the PC (LAN) and the wireless mesh (PAN).

  • Throughput testing: Measured data rates under different configurations and applied tuning techniques like increasing baud rate or switching device modes to improve performance.

  • Cloud and cellular connectivity validation: Registered the Border Router in Digi Remote Manager, performed remote management actions, and confirmed uninterrupted cloud access over both Ethernet and cellular interfaces.

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