SyncNet

SyncNet is a low power RF communication solution for creating a field area network, based on the Wireless Smart Utility Network (Wi-SUN) standard. It enables OEMs and utilities to transport data bi-directionally, between field devices and other systems and IoT applications that utilize that data for analytics or decision making. In addition, it helps utilities integrate and derive greater value from intelligent sensors being deployed in utility substations or networks.

The SyncNet technology is made available to OEMs for integration into their products, accelerating time to market with IoT ready devices. The SyncNet Field Area Network (FAN) communication protocol stack and end device module reference design helps to facilitate the integration process for OEMs.

In addition, SyncNet protocol stack is portable to other RF network interface module designs conforming to the physical layer standards of WiSUN/IEEE 802.15.4.
 

Technology

The SyncNet Field Area Network is based on the Wireless Smart Utility Network (Wi-SUN) technology stack. PHY layer supported by SyncNet is based on IEEE 802.15.4g, which provides bidirectional communications operating in various license-free bands. The MAC sub-layer is based on IEEE 802.15.4e along with Wi-SUN defined Information Extensions (IEs). The network layer is IPv6 with 6LoWPAN [RFC6282] adaptation. SyncNet supports

mesh topologies, from star and mesh options in Wi-Sun profile. Mandatory packet routing option based on: RPL [RFC6550] non storing mode is supported at the network layer. The transport layer provides both UDP and TCP services.
 

 

Evaluation Kit

The SyncNet Evaluation Kit comes with a development board, five RF modules with pre-loaded SyncNet stack, and a Field Area Router for evaluation and testing the network
 

Components	Function
RF Communication Module	Communication modules with API to access communication peripherals / GPIO and REST API's for bidirectional data exchange with kalki.io Platform
Evaluation Board	Used with SyncNet RF modules for developing device interfaces and performing integration testing
Field Area Router	Used for connecting RF mesh based devices to backhaul network
Kalki.io Developer Subscription for Sync	Developer subscription account in kalki.io for SyncNet evaluation. Evaluation account provides access to monitoring, control and analytics applications. It also provides a test and validate application to verify successful integration of new devices into SyncNet
EasyConnect	Configuration and installation tool

Reference Design

Kalkitech offers SyncNet binary code and an RF module reference design under a separate licensing agreement. Kalkitech offers custom services to port the stack to different hardware platforms. The SyncNet protocol stack covers link layer up to the transport layer (TCP/UDP) including IPv6. Device Manufactures can build an application on top of this or can choose from the list of application protocols offering from Kalkitech.

Field Elements

RF Communication Module	SYNC 94x	Communication modules with API to access communication peripherals/GPIO and REST API's for bidirectional data exchange with kalki.io Platform.
RF Bridge	SYNC 185x	Bridge node to connect standalone devices with the SyncNet network. Bridges can be integrated with field devices over serial ports using transparent tunnel, Modbus or CoAP interfaces.
Cellular Bridge	SYNC 18xx	Bridge node to connect standalone devices over a 3G cellular network. Gateways can be integrated with field devices over serial ports using transparent tunnel, Modbus or CoAP interfaces.
RF Repeater	SYNC 185x	RF Repeaters are standalone radio range extenders which can reach out to far end points easily.
Outdoor Field Area Router (FAR)	SYNC 19xx	Field area routers (FARs) mounted outdoors that provide coordination for last mile mesh networks and also serve as the access point for connecting to backhaul.
Indoor Field Area Router (FAR)	SYNC 19xx	Indoor Field Area Routers (FARs) providing coordination for last mile mesh networks and serves as access point for connecting to backhaul.

Applications

Community/Industrial Smart Metering

Wireless communication network for smart meter reading for residential communities and industrial establishments. Solution can deliver all smart metering functions including billing, prepayment, demand response, outage management, energy auditing and various other use cases.
 

Substation Asset Monitoring

Wireless communications module can connect to assets in a substation via either directly embedded on the sensor or plugged in through serial ports, to monitor operational and non- operational parameters. This enables the identification of abnormal conditions and the ability to schedule preventive maintenance of substation assets.