Plugwise developed a plug which sends, receives, measures, and switches. This device is placed between the plug and the socket. Each plug connects to other plugs most efficiently. This results in a highly reliable wireless network.

Each plug sends the measured energy consumption to the Plugwise PDA or the Plugwise software programme installed on your own PC. This programme allows the user to monitor energy use and simultaneously offers automatic switching on the basis of user-customized switching schedules.

These schedules may for instance be synced with arrival and departure times, day and night rhythms, and values of energy consumption (among other things: standby-killer). All this is possible for each individual appliance, room, or group of appliances of your choice. In addition the programme includes functions such as budgeting and advice on saving energy. Because of the wireless network the system allows easy extension with additional Plugwise products.

This technology uses Zigbee in combination with a mesh system. Opportunities for CAT-iq?