ANT Forum

Hello,

I have this question: it is possible produce device, which is implemented with own simple ANT communication protocol for communication with separate device group (one opened channel with public Network Key) and also ANT+ protocol implemented for communication with ANT+ world? (second opened channel with ANT+ Network Key).
I have developed ecosystem contains 3 different devices communicate together over simple ANT protocol and now I want add ANT+ compatibility into one of these 3 devices. So the group will be communicated together over simple ANTprotocol while with ANT+ world will communicate over separate ANT+ channel.

It is possible for ANT+ certification? It is possible get brand of ANT+ with this solution?

Thanks for advice.
Mirek      

Hello Mirek,

Absolutely that is possible, there are many products in the market that do this. When you apply for ANT+ Certification, you specify which ANT+ Device Profiles you have implemented and we test those. We also look out for non-ANT+ compliant usage of the ANT+ Network. But you are free to do what you like on the Public network.

Having said that, there are a couple of design considerations that should be taken into account when you are designing a multi-network solution. Please review the app notes: 'Multi-channel design considerations' and 'ANT channel search and background scanning channel' if you haven't already done so: http://www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/downloads/#documents_tab

Also, we always offer a note of caution for use of the public network in commercial product - (although you can choose to go ahead anyway). Because the network is completely free to use and open, there is no way to know what else will be on that network and how it may interact with your product (more info here: http://www.thisisant.com/developer/resources/tech-bulletin/network-keys-and-the-ant-managed-network/). You should test your product in a variety of environments and decide whether the public network is good enough to meet your needs. Private network keys offer a solution to this issue but they do come at a cost.

Kind regards,

Kat