What is 6LoWPAN?
6LoWPAN is a somewhat contorted acronym that combines the latest version of the Internet Protocol (IPv6) and Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks (LoWPAN). 6LoWPAN, therefore, allows for the smallest devices with limited processing ability to transmit information wirelessly using an internet protocol. It’s the newest competitor to ZigBee.
The concept was created because engineers felt like the smallest devices were being left out from the Internet of Things. 6LoWPAN can communicate with 802.15.4 devices as well as other types of devices on an IP network link like WiFi. A bridge device can connect the two.