IN THIS ISSUE:

>> This Month
Our intrepid agnostic reports on SP100 progress, the integration message in the air at IFPAC, and two important upcoming events.

>> Top News
A few of this month’s most important news stories.


>> In Depth

• Wireless Mesh Networks in Industry: How Radios Really Perform
• Mesh Radio Network Performance in Cargo Containers

>> Product Picks
Editors' top choices for industrial applications.

• Wireless Input/Relay Output Module
• ZigBee-Based Modem Module
• Software for Managing Sensor Networks

The Integration Imperative
Integration of wireless sensor networking products within existing systems is a theme this month. I can see it in the progress of the ISA-SP100 Wireless Systems for Automation committee, and I could see it (or the need for it) in the exhibit hall and and an inspiring keynote at IFPAC. Let me show you what I mean.
continued

Top News

European Project Aims to Create Wireless Sensor Network Roadmap
The Information Society Technology of Europe's Embedded WiseNts project aims to help designers determine the best direction to take with wireless sensor networking. Group sees need for middleware.  continued

G2 Micro Promises to Reduce Asset Tracking Costs with Wi-Fi RFID
New system-on-a-chip leverages the ubiquitous IEEE 802.11 infrastructure, and claims 75% lower total cost of ownership. continued

IBM's Forecast Sunny for Sensors
CNET reports on IBM Research's latest Global Technology Outlook (GTO), and speculates that the company's Chief Executive, Sam Palmisano, will use the GTO to determine "how to make money off the growing market for sensors." continued

Arch Rock to Scale Wireless Sensor Networks as Internet's Next Tier
Company raises $5 million series A funding. "Our vision is that sensors will far outnumber computers and that the Internet architecture and value system is the way to scale," said Roland Acra, CEO.  continued

$40 Billion Cellular M2M Opportunity Hinges on Bluetooth & ZigBee Sensors
The cellular phone infrastructure is an inherent enabler for machine to machine (M2M) communications, and it is increasingly reliable, widespread, and secure. But it is prohibitively expensive for many applications, unless fused with short-range RF topologies. continued

Nanotechnology To Transform Battery Markets
mPhase details new approach to developing a scalable reserve battery that uses principles of microfludics and electro-wetting to keep batteries in an inactive state for long shelf life while retaining the properties of reaching full voltage potential on demand. continued

Sun Targets Wireless Sensing with Java Version
Sun Microsystems has unveiled a special version of its Java programming language, called Spot (Small Programmable Object Technology), for wireless sensor applications. continued

In Depth

Mesh Radio Network Performance in Cargo Containers
Wireless sensors installed inside a cargo container? Aren't they metal? Then the radio signal can't get out . . .or can it? Here's how mesh-networked 2.4 GHz, 802.15.4-compliant RF transceivers performed when placed within cargo containers.  continued

Wireless Mesh Networks in Industry: How Radios Really Perform
IEEE 802.15.4-compliant radios are entering the market. But can you trust their spec sheets to give you an honest indication of how they'll actually perform? continued