'Industry first' smart energy gateway claims Digi

The ConnectPort X2 connects certified ZigBee Smart Energy devices from a home area network (HAN) to an energy service provider via broadband. According to Digi, it is the industry's first gateway that connects, controls, or gathers data from ZigBee Smart Energy devices equally well before or with Smart Meter deployments. 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. Larry Kraft, senior vice president of global sales and marketing, Digi International, said: "The ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy provides a sub-$100 integration point for thermostats, smart meters, in-home displays, load controllers and other ZigBee Smart Energy devices in energy management systems. It provides a standards-based method to connect ZigBee Smart Energy devices and iDigi provides a standards-based application interface. Utilities can deploy energy management systems based on the ConnectPort X2 for Smart Energy and iDigi knowing they have maximum future flexibility." The device 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, metering devices, in-premise display devices, programmable communicating thermostats and prepayment terminals.