ZigBee Smart Energy gateway

15 September 2010 Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

Digi has introduced the ‘ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy’ gateway. It is a ZigBee Smart Energy certified gateway that connects certified ZigBee Smart Energy devices from a home area network (HAN) to an energy service provider via broadband. The product connects, controls or gathers data from ZigBee Smart Energy devices equally well before or with smart meter deployments.

When a smart meter is present, the gateway can make meter information immediately available to any energy management application. As part of iDigi Energy, energy service providers can use the ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy and iDigi platform to integrate thermostats, smart meters, in-home displays, load controllers and other ZigBee Smart Energy devices into complete energy management systems.

The gateway can be deployed as a standalone ZigBee Smart Energy HAN for areas without advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)/smart meter deployments or participate in an AMI network providing broadband connectivity for enhanced energy management services. Gateways deployed in advance of AMI can join a smart meter-based network once it is installed, using iDigi to remotely make all software changes required for an easy upgrade, and always preserving the simplicity of a single energy services portal (ESP) Smart Energy architecture. The ConnectPort X2 also separates consumers’ energy management data from the utility’s ‘cash register’ meter network, adding to the security and integrity of the AMI system.

Built on the XBee-PRO ZB ZigBee module, the ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy features ZigBee Smart Energy certified firmware enabling compatibility with all devices defined in the ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile. These include energy service portals (ESPs), metering devices, in-premise display devices, programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs), load controllers, range extenders, smart appliances and prepayment terminals.

The device offers Ethernet and ZigBee connectivity, and also features easy-to-use local customisable open scripting standards via Python. This allows customers to leverage the in-home processing capability of the gateway to optimise their energy service offerings. All Digi gateways can be remotely configured and upgraded using iDigi Energy, allowing new services to be offered after the system is installed.

Further reading:

Mobile satellite connectivity available in SA
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Space42 has commercially launched its next generation mobile satellite service, Thuraya 4 NGS, available in South Africa as of February 2026.

Read more...

---

Next-gen Wi Fi 6E connectivity for embedded systems
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, the company’s first Wi-Fi 6E connectivity co-processor.

Read more...

---

Quectel redefines connectivity with RG660Qx 5G Series
iCorp Technologies Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Purpose-built to meet the demands of next-generation IoT and wireless broadband, these modules leverage the cutting-edge Qualcomm X85 and X82 5G Modem-RF systems to deliver enterprise-grade performance.

Read more...

---

Contactless IO-Link couplers
IOT Electronics Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IO-Link couplers from Phoenix Contact are industrial contactless couplers designed to transmit power and IO-Link data across a small air gap without physical connectors.

Read more...

---

Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL accelerate 5G RedCap adoption
iCorp Technologies Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel’s RG255C-NA and RM255C-GL modules represent a strategic move into this fast-growing segment, delivering Sub-6 GHz 5G connectivity optimised for mid-tier IoT applications.

Read more...

---

SDRs – Which RF architecture should you choose?
RFiber Solutions Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
There are several common methods of implementing SDR architectures. This paper discusses which is best when meeting a specific need.

Read more...

---

Multi-band GNSS patch antenna
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas AHP2356A is a compact, high-performance active GNSS patch antenna designed for next-generation positioning systems requiring precision, reliability, and multi-constellation support.

Read more...

---

Cellular routers for explosive areas
Phoenix Contact Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Updated versions of the Cellulink outdoor cellular router product range from Phoenix Contact are now available; they have been specially developed for use in Zone 2 potentially explosive areas.

Read more...

---

Power the next wave of IoT innovation
Links Field Networks Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Links Field Networks’ portfolio includes connectivity platforms, edge devices, and network management tools designed to support secure, resilient IoT deployments across a range of use cases.

Read more...

---

Move to smart agriculture
Otto Wireless Solutions Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for precision agriculture, the RAKwireless SensorHub is a modular, industrial-grade IoT platform that collects real-time environmental and soil data across farming operations.

Read more...

---