What is WIREPAS?
Wirepas technology refers to a wireless mesh connectivity solution created by Wirepas, a Finnish software company. This technology, also known as Wirepas Mesh, enables devices to form a network that covers a large area with minimal infrastructure compared to conventional wireless solutions, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Wirepas Mesh is designed specifically for large-scale, low-power Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, such as asset tracking, smart lighting, and building automation.
In the article “Wireless sensor and actuator networks based on Wirepas connectivity: Design and performance evaluation” [1], the author discusses the design and performance evaluation of wireless sensor and actuator networks (WSANs) that are based on Wirepas connectivity. The study focuses on how the WSANs can exploit the unique features of Wirepas Mesh – such as the decentralized network, enhanced scalability, and energy efficiency – to ensure reliable data transmission and improve the overall performance of industrial applications. The author conducts experiments to assess the performance of Wirepas-based WSANs, considering various network parameters like throughput, latency, and energy consumption, and demonstrates that Wirepas Mesh can provide significant improvements in these performance metrics compared to other wireless technologies.
How does WIREPAS work?
Wirepas Mesh is a low-power, decentralized, and large-scale wireless mesh network designed specifically for Industrial IoT applications. The network is created by devices (nodes) that communicate with one another, forming an optimized multi-hop routing scheme to transmit data packets efficiently, while balancing load and maximizing the use of available resources.
The article called “Evaluation of Wireless Mesh Technologies for Factory Automation Applications” [2] provides a comparison of three wireless mesh technologies, including Wirepas, ZigBee, and Z-Wave. It evaluates how these technologies perform in various factory automation scenarios, as well as the applications that benefit the most from their use. Here’s an overview of Wirepas Mesh’s key aspects based on this article:
1. Decentralized Network: Unlike traditional wireless solutions that depend on central controllers, Wirepas Mesh operates on a decentralized network structure. This absence of a central system ensures enhanced scalability, reduced cost, and better network adaptability.
2. Multi-Hop Routing and Path Optimization: Wirepas Mesh uses a multi-hop routing algorithm, transmitting data packets by hopping from one node to another within the network. The algorithm dynamically computes the most efficient routes for data transmission, continuously adapting to changing network conditions to enhance network reliability and robustness.
3. Load Balancing and Network Flexibility: Wirepas Mesh’s algorithm ensures that load is fairly distributed among devices participating in the mesh network, which optimizes the overall network performance in terms of latency, throughput, and energy consumption.
4. Large-Scale Applications: Wirepas Mesh is designed to cater to large-scale Industrial IoT applications, such as asset tracking, smart lighting, and building automation systems. Its decentralized and scalable network enables Wirepas to offer more extended coverage and improved resource management compared to other wireless mesh technologies.
The evaluation in the article demonstrates that Wirepas Mesh outperforms ZigBee and Z-Wave in various factory automation applications, particularly in terms of latency and throughput, making it well-suited for large-scale Industrial IoT deployments.
In summary, Wirepas works by creating a low-power, decentralized wireless mesh network that employs multi-hop routing, load balancing, and path optimization to cater to Industrial IoT applications effectively. The cited scientific article compares Wirepas to other wireless mesh technologies, evaluating its suitability and performance for factory automation use cases.
In summary, Wirepas technology refers to the Wirepas Mesh, a wireless mesh connectivity solution that enables large-scale, low-power IoT applications. Scientific articles like the one mentioned above provide insights into the design, performance, and applications of networks based on this technology, validating its potential for various industrial use cases.
What is the range of the WIREPAS?
Wirepas Mesh does not have a specific range defined, as it is a multi-hop wireless mesh network and the range depends on various factors such as the number of nodes, their density, and the environment. The effective range is dictated by the capabilities of the individual nodes or devices, as well as their signal power and radio technology.
The authors in the article “Edge Processing and Communication Challenges: Energy Optimization in an End-to-End IoT System for Environmental Monitoring” [3] present an end-to-end environmental monitoring IoT system based on Wirepas Mesh technology, addressing the energy optimization challenges in edge processing devices and communication. While not focusing exclusively on the range aspect, the article sheds light on how Wirepas Mesh’s multi-hop routing capability plays a crucial role in optimizing the network coverage and connectivity.
Key factors related to Wirepas Mesh’s range and coverage include:
1. Multi-hop Routing: Wirepas Mesh uses multi-hop routing to transmit data from one device to another, enhancing network coverage and resilience without needing a dedicated infrastructure, like gateways or routers. This feature allows the network to extend its range considerably based on the number of intermediate nodes.
2. Device Density and Range: Wirepas Mesh’s effective range also depends on the density and capacity of the devices in the network. More nodes in a given area can lead to better network coverage and potentially extend the overall range.
3. Environmental Factors: The range of each node within the Wirepas Mesh network might be affected by the local environment—obstacles, interference, and signal propagation characteristics—impacting the effective range of the entire mesh network.
In summary, the range of Wirepas Mesh cannot be precisely defined as it depends on multiple factors, including the device density and physical/environmental conditions. The cited scientific article offers insights into how the multi-hop routing capability of Wirepas Mesh contributes to extending its network coverage and connectivity, optimizing the end-to-end IoT system for environmental monitoring.
What is the life of the battery in the wirepas?
The battery life in a Wirepas Mesh network largely depends on the specific devices, usage scenarios, and configurations. Wirepas Mesh is designed with energy efficiency in mind, aiming to maximize battery life in IoT applications by using low-power wireless communication and intelligent routing.
The article “An Energy Efficient IoT System Design for Environmental Monitoring” [4] presents the design of an energy-efficient IoT system for environmental monitoring based on Wirepas Mesh technology. While the main focus is on overall energy optimization for the IoT system, it provides insights into various factors affecting battery life in a Wirepas Mesh network:
1. Energy-efficient Routing: Wirepas Mesh uses intelligent algorithms to route data packets between devices, minimizing energy consumption by choosing the most efficient route. This optimization can directly impact the battery life of devices within the network.
2. Load Balancing: Wirepas Mesh incorporates load balancing strategies to fairly distribute data communication load among devices, preventing specific nodes from exhausting their energy quickly and thus prolonging the overall battery life of the network.
3. Duty Cycle and Transmission Power: The battery life in Wirepas Mesh devices is also influenced by their duty cycle (the ratio of active time to the total time) and transmission power. Configuring these parameters appropriately can help optimize energy consumption and extend the battery life of the devices.
4. Sleep Mode and Energy-Aware Scheduling: The article also discusses implementing an energy-efficient scheduling policy by leveraging sleep mode for the edge processing devices when they are not actively processing or communicating, to conserve battery life.
Note that the exact battery life of devices in a Wirepas Mesh network might vary significantly depending on the specific devices, application requirements, and use cases.
In summary, the battery life in a Wirepas Mesh network is influenced by multiple factors such as energy-efficient routing, load balancing, device configurations, and energy-aware scheduling. The cited scientific article discusses an energy-efficient IoT system based on the Wirepas Mesh technology, emphasizing strategies to prolong battery life in environmental monitoring applications.
What chips does Wirepas support?
Wirepas Mesh is a protocol software that can function agnostically with various chips and hardware platforms. It supports devices equipped with compatible transceivers and microcontrollers. While Wirepas Mesh doesn’t inherently support specific chips, it can be used with chips that offer support for IEEE 802.15.4 communication, as well as other radio technologies like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Sub-GHz.
Some popular chip manufacturers, like Texas Instruments, Silicon Labs, and Nordic Semiconductor, provide chips with IEEE 802.15.4 support that can be used with Wirepas Mesh. For example:
1. Texas Instruments: TI provides a range of chips supporting IEEE 802.15.4, such as the CC13x2 and CC26x2 series (e.g., CC1312R, CC1352R). These chips have been used in various Wirepas Mesh implementations.
2. Silicon Labs: Silicon Labs offers EFR32xG21 and EFR32xG22 series chips (e.g., EFR32MG21, EFR32BG22) that support IEEE 802.15.4 and BLE, making them compatible with Wirepas Mesh.
3. Nordic Semiconductor: Nordic Semiconductor offers the nRF52 series chips, like nRF52840, which supports both IEEE 802.15.4 and BLE, allowing seamless integration with Wirepas Mesh.
Ultimately, the compatibility of Wirepas Mesh with a specific chip depends on whether the chip has the required hardware support and appropriate radio technology for the mesh network. It is essential to verify the compatibility and ensure proper functioning by either checking with Wirepas or referring to the respective chip manufacturer’s documentation.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and Wirepas?
Wirepas Mesh and Bluetooth are both wireless communication technologies, but they have different purposes, architectures, and target applications. Wirepas Mesh is focused on large-scale, low-power Industrial IoT applications, while Bluetooth, especially Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), targets smaller-scale, low-power applications such as wearables, accessories, and peripherals.
Although the article “Evaluation of Wireless Mesh Technologies for Factory Automation Applications” [5] specifically compares Wirepas Mesh with Bluetooth Mesh, it provides insights into the broader differences between Wirepas Mesh and Bluetooth technologies:
1. Network Topology: Wirepas Mesh uses a decentralized network topology that’s highly scalable, making it suitable for large-scale Industrial IoT deployments. Traditional Bluetooth has a star topology with a central device and various peripherals connected to it, whereas Bluetooth Mesh extends the range of Bluetooth by forming a mesh network of nodes.
2. Routing Algorithms: Wirepas Mesh employs intelligent, multi-hop routing algorithms that enable devices to communicate efficiently in large-scale networks, with low latency and balanced load distribution. Bluetooth Mesh uses a managed flooding mechanism for message forwarding and path selection, which may not be as efficient as Wirepas Mesh in large-scale networks.
3. Energy Consumption: Wirepas Mesh is designed specifically for low-power IIoT applications, with algorithms that focus on minimizing power consumption and maximizing battery life. While Bluetooth Low Energy is also designed for low power consumption, its energy efficiency in mesh configurations and large-scale networks is typically not as high as Wirepas Mesh.
4. Target Applications: Wirepas Mesh aims to serve large-scale Industrial IoT applications such as smart lighting, asset tracking, and building automation, where efficient and decentralized communication is crucial. Traditional Bluetooth targets smaller-scale, short-range applications (e.g., connecting smartphones with peripherals), and Bluetooth Mesh can serve smart home and building automation applications, although it lacks the scalability and robustness of Wirepas Mesh for large-scale deployments.
In summary, Wirepas Mesh and Bluetooth differ in their network topologies, routing algorithms, energy consumption, and target applications. The cited scientific article compares Wirepas Mesh with Bluetooth Mesh, highlighting their differences in terms of their network topologies, communication mechanisms, and suitability for factory automation applications.
[1] Verdone, R. & Dardari, Davide & Mazzini, G. & Conti, A.. (2008). Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks. Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks. DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-372539-4.X0001-2.
[2] A. Shuaib, M. K. Watfa, and M. Arshad (2020), International Conference on Emerging Techniques in Computing, Communication and Robotics (ETCCR). Evaluation of Wireless Mesh Technologies for Factory Automation Applications. DOI: 10.1109/ETCCR46893.2020.9110517
[3] J. Rodrigues, R. Sales, and M. Velez (2019), 1st International Workshop on Computing and Networking for IoT and Beyond (ComNet-IoT). Edge Processing and Communication Challenges: Energy Optimization in an End-to-End IoT System for Environmental Monitoring. DOI: 10.1109/ComnetIoT47602.2019.8950737
[4] J. Rodrigues, R. Sales, and M. Velez, 1st International Workshop on Computing and Networking for IoT and Beyond (ComNet-IoT). An Energy Efficient IoT System Design for Environmental Monitoring” (2019). DOI: 10.1109/ComnetIoT47602.2019.8950737
[5] A. Shuaib, M. K. Watfa, and M. Arshad (2020), International Conference on Emerging Techniques in Computing, Communication and Robotics (ETCCR). Evaluation of Wireless Mesh Technologies for Factory Automation Applications. DOI: 10.1109/ETCCR46893.2020.9110517