What could we do if we combined two proven technologies in our embedded networks: the scalable and link-independent IP network layer plus the agreed-upon device definitions and security model of the ZigBee Application Profile system?

You could have thermostats and electric meters communicating directly with other devices like displays and inverters, regardless of the physical networking technology chosen by their manufacturers. 802.15.4 wireless devices could connect with power-line devices like HomePlug, WiFi devices, and Ethernet devices through a routed network without application-layer gateways that may need to be upgraded whenever you add new features.

You could also introduce distance into the picture, directly linking web servers and application servers with in-premise devices to give you better visibility and control over your energy usage or anything else that benefits from embedded networking.

If you’re interested, check out our page on the CAP proposal, which suggests a technique for adapting the ZigBee Application layer to run over a native IP network. There’s a set of overview slides on that page.

More technically minded folks might want to read the CAP Internet-Draft.

I’ll kick off Arch Rock’s new blog with some industry news.

Several companies (including Cisco, Duke Energy, Emerson, and of course, Arch Rock) recently joined together to promote IP (Internet Protocol) for Smart Objects (IPSO).

What’s IP? It’s the same networking protocol everything else runs — your server, your laptop, your router, your mobile phone, your printer, your VOIP phone, and your building management system.

What’s a smart object? It’s a thing that doesn’t yet have a network connection but has tons of valuable data to exchange with us. Things like parking meters, thermostats, water meters, and light switches. They’re tiny. They often run on batteries. They use sensors to connect with the physical world, just like the devices above connect with people. And if we can connect with them, we can be greener, more efficient, and more effective.

So why IP for smart objects? Because IP already runs everything else. It’s the most ubiquitous, most versatile networking protocol we have, and since there will be even more smart objects than there are currently nodes on the Internet, we need the most scalable protocol we can find. No gateways needed. Just simple, stable, manageable IP connectivity. To everything.

Check out the IPSO site for more details.

And, check back here for news about Arch Rock and for ideas drawn from the wider worlds of smart objects and embedded networks.