Zigbee wireless network technology has existed for many years, used by home automation and other embedded equipment. Last week, a new extension to the standard called Zigbee IP is introduced. Zigbee IP enables IPv6 devices to join these networks, an essential capability needed to get home appliances and other fixtures like light bulbs onto the Internet. Having your light bulbs on the Internet sounds like a funny idea, but there are some practical applications, such as controlling home energy costs. In fact, wireless lightbulbs with IP addresses have existed for awhile and Zigbee IP just makes the technology more standard. On the other hand, giving network hackers a way to remotely interfere with your home appliances doesn’t sound like much fun at all.
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