ZigBee Alliance extends web support

ZigBee has launched an initiative to more fully exploit existing IP capabilities

The ZigBee Alliance of companies creating pervasive wireless networking technologies has launched an initiative to enhance connectivity to the internet and other networks.

The scheme aims to develop ways to more fully exploit ZigBee's existing IP capabilities, and make it easier for developers and integrators to deploy ZigBee and add features and functions including IPv6 support.

As an open standard, ZigBee offers wireless networking to devices locally and over the internet, including light switches, thermostats, electric meters and medical equipment.

The new initiative will look to expand IP services even further into ZigBee networks, and will augment existing ZigBee gateway programmes providing standardised interfaces for ZigBee data.

"The ZigBee Alliance invites other companies and organisations looking at low-power wireless networks to join our efforts," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance.