Atheros Using Wi-Fi And Powerline For "Internet Of Things" Expansion

We're living in a connected world, and it's only growing more inter-connected by the day. Atheros Communications is eager to be a part of that expansion, and this week they've announced their HomePlug Green PHY development kit as part of its new ‘Internet of Things’ portfolio aimed at connecting hundreds, if not thousands, of IP addressable devices in the home. We've heard the whole "Internet of things" bit before elsewhere, and it's growing into quite the meme. Using Wi-Fi and HomePlug Green PHY powerline technologies, Atheros’ portfolio will enable scalable IP infrastructures for smart grid, smart home, building automation, remote health and wellness monitoring, and other machine-to-machine applications.

The Atheros PL-14 HPGP development kit consists of a hardware platform based on existing HomePlug AV silicon, adapted to support serial peripheral interface (SPI) ports enabling connectivity to a vast family of low-cost and low-energy microcontrollers (MCUs), as well as an emulation firmware and software driver with application programming interfaces (APIs) to support future Atheros Green PHY products. By accurately emulating a Green PHY environment, the development kit enables Atheros customers to evaluate the technology's capabilities and develop application software for "Internet of Things" product families focused on smart grid and smart energy.


The PL-14 HPGP development kit is the first in a series of products within the Atheros Internet of Things product portfolio, which includes standards-based wired and wireless technologies to enable scalable IP infrastructures for smart grid, smart home, security, building automation, remote health and wellness monitoring, and other machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. HomePlug has had a pretty tough go of it, but maybe now the timing if finally right for it to explode. We still think some market consolidation is needed before whole home automation becomes mainstream, but hey, we aren't going to complain should it happen.
Tags:  WiFi, HomePlug, atheros