Cisco has made another smart grid acquisition, unveiling plans to buy IP wireless specialist Arch Rock.

 

Arch Rock, whose technology enables utilities to connect smart meters over a wireless mesh network, will become a part of Cisco’s smart grid division

 

Laura Ipsen, senior vice president of the division, said the acquisition enables Cisco to provide end-to-end smart-grid offerings, which “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.”

 

The deal, which is expected to close during the second half, came hot on the heels of an alliance with smart grid provider Itron to develop an IPv6 communications network for utility firms.

 

Cisco announced its first smart grid routers and switches in May.