Arch Rock unveils first enterprise-class wireless sensor network.(NEW PRODUCTS)

Arch Rock Corporation has introduced the first wireless sensor network (WSN) to address large-scale enterprise applications by forming large, resilient IP-based WSNs and letting users centrally manage collections of those WSNs as an integral part of the enterprise IP infrastructure.

Arch Rock's new PhyNet IP-based platform implements a tiered WSN architecture that eliminates the need to co-locate individual sensor networks with the server-based functions that control them by placing a scalable Internetworking tier--the first "WSN router"--between them. Sensor applications can now reside half a world away, across a corporate campus, or in the next room, communicating with any number of WSNs across local or wide area IP networks.

Because PhyNet extends standard Internet Protocol (IP) technology from the enterprise infrastructure to the sensor network mesh and out to individual sensor nodes, those nodes can communicate directly with any other IP devices on the enterprise network regardless of their connection medium (IEEE 802.15.4 radio, 802.11 Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc.). The PhyNet platform also applies to the IP-based WSN the vast body of standard and well-tested IP tools for interoperability, management, and security, eliminating the need to deploy dedicated and unproven schemes.

The PhyNet platform's tiered architecture includes the following:

--The PhyNet Server, which manages collections of WSNs and displays sensor data on a Web-based user console that lets users do WSN setup, diagnostics, management, and Web services-based applications. The Management Server connects via LAN or WAN IP networks to:

--The PhyNet Router, centerpiece of the new architecture. PhyNet Routers form an Internetworking backbone between an IETF 6LoWPAN (IPv6 Low-Power Wireless Personal-Area Network)-based WSN and its server-hosted applications; the use of multiple PhyNet Routers within a single WSN eliminates the performance bottlenecks and the single point of failure characteristic of other solutions. PhyNet Routers connect via IEEE 802.15.4 low-power radio links to:

--Arch Rock Nodes, including the new IPserial Node, which extends Arch Rock sensor support beyond analog sensors to digital sensors, data loggers, and devices with legacy serial connectors.

PhyNet is well suited for a broad range of large-scale applications, including energy management, compliance and safety enforcement, environmental monitoring, and emerging energy-generation technologies.

Roland Acra, Arch Rock CEO, said, "Enterprise-ready' means being able to deploy both individual sensor nodes and whole WSNs in a manner dictated not by the constraints of incompatible network technologies, but by real business needs.

Up to now wireless sensor networks have generally been targeted at pilot networks or small-scale scenarios. Arch Rock's original product brought quick out-of-the-box deployment and standards-based IP into the picture last year with our Primer Pack/IP. Our customers are now entering a phase where they want to connect and centrally manage multiple sensor-equipped buildings, often for the purpose of offering remote monitoring services to their own customers.

"To accomplish this, the PhyNet platform allows management services and applications to reside in a protected and highly available corporate data center, while sensor nodes and networking functions can be located throughout a building, machine room or harsh outdoor environment any distance (or number of links) away. No matter how the PhyNet elements are distributed across the enterprise, the applications can run end-to-end to the IP-based sensors through standard enterprise-integrated IP routing."

David Mohler, chief technology officer at Arch Rock customer Duke Energy, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, said, "IP networks represent the best choice in network protocol, providing utilities access to thousands of compatible devices for enhancing utility operations and the delivery of energy efficiency products to our end-user customers.

IP networks are the primary choice for Duke Energy as we build out our infrastructure to improve our services and leverage technology in crafting a better customer experience."