Cisco hasn’t been shy about its interest in the smart grid, an emerging field that aims to link up households, devices and utilities on a dynamic IP-based network in an effort to improve energy efficiency.
With the acquisition of Arch Rock, Cisco gains wireless sensor technology that could be integral to syncing up smart meters with intelligent devices using a mesh network. The acquisition comes just a day after Cisco’s announcement of a partnership to develop smart-grid networking technology based on IPv6. Enterprise Networking Planet takes a look.
Networking juggernaut Cisco has made no secret of its intention to take a leading role in the evolving market for smart grids — technology that establishes an intelligent monitoring system on an electricity distribution grid. Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) took another step toward its goal Wednesday with the acquisition of Arch Rock, a specialist in wireless sensors for smart grid applications.
“Arch Rock’s wireless mesh technology enhances Cisco’s IP-based, end-to-end smart grid offerings,” said Laura Ipsen, senior vice president and general manager of Cisco’s Smart Grid business unit. “This acquisition further positions Cisco as a strategic partner to utilities working to better manage power supply and demand, improve the security and reliability of energy delivery and optimize operational costs.”