.png)
Wi-SUN FAN is an important standard for large-scale, secure, IPv6-based mesh networking. Its value is clear: utilities, municipalities, and other IoT operators can build field networks using certified devices from multiple vendors, while preserving flexibility and avoiding dependence on proprietary radio technologies.
This kind of network-layer interoperability is essential. It allows device manufacturers to focus on their specific applications: smart meters, street lighting, sensors, controllers, and other field devices, while relying on a common communication foundation.
The Next Interoperability Challenge: Device and Network Management
But as deployments mature, another layer of interoperability becomes increasingly important: device and network management.
Large-scale operators do not only need devices to connect. They also need to onboard them securely, monitor their status, diagnose problems remotely, manage configuration, update firmware, handle credentials, and operate the fleet over long asset lifecycles. If every vendor exposes these capabilities differently, operational complexity grows even when the underlying network is standardized.
The Role of OMA LwM2M
LwM2M provides a standardized device management framework above the connectivity layer. It defines common mechanisms for registration, monitoring, configuration, remote operations, firmware updates, and security. Combined with standardized object models, it creates a practical foundation for operational interoperability across heterogeneous IoT fleets.
To demonstrate this concept in practice, Exegin Technologies and AVSystem have combined their expertise to create an interoperability demo connecting Wi-SUN-based Exegin devices to AVSystem’s Coiote IoT Device Management platform using LwM2M.
The demo shows how Wi-SUN FAN and OMA LwM2M can work together as complementary standards:
- Wi-SUN FAN provides certified, interoperable mesh connectivity.
- LwM2M provides standardized device lifecycle management and network management (NMS) features above the network layer.
- Coiote IoT Device Management operationalizes this model through onboarding, monitoring, diagnostics, firmware workflows, APIs, and fleet management capabilities.
.png?width=1200&length=1200&name=image%20(11).png)
From Interoperable Communication to Interoperable Operations
Exegin has long supported the Wi-SUN ecosystem and has been actively involved in demonstrating multi-vendor Wi-SUN FAN interoperability. Its work has helped show that certified devices from different vendors can form and operate within a common Wi-SUN network. Extending this idea toward LwM2M-based device management is a natural next step: from interoperable communication to interoperable operations.
Connecting the Wi-SUN and OMA Ecosystems
For AVSystem, this collaboration also reflects a broader strategic direction. As a member of both the Open Mobile Alliance and Wi-SUN Alliance, we are working to connect the strengths of both ecosystems.
This is particularly relevant for utilities, smart cities, and other long-lived IoT deployments where vendor choice, security, remote operations, and lifecycle scalability are critical. The objective is not to replace existing Wi-SUN capabilities, but to extend their value above the network layer.
The result is a more complete architecture for large-scale IoT: interoperable connectivity below, standardized lifecycle and network management above.
About Exegin:
Exegin is a leading supplier of mesh network stacks, application profile components, development tools, and gateway equipment. The company is also an active member of the Wi-SUN and Zigbee Alliances, a combined group of over 900 companies collaborating to develop networking standards for low-cost, low-power networks applicable to all aspects of the IoT.