The Cisco Field Area Network (FAN) solution brings the first multiservice communications infrastructure to the utility field area network. It delivers applications such as Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI), Distribution Automation (DA), and Protection and Control over a common network platform. While initially targeted for the Smart Grid, the Cisco FAN solution has applicability well beyond utility applications into the related areas of sensors, smart object networks and the "Internet of Things". Cisco offers opportunities for developing joint solutions in all of these areas to select industry partners by adding hardware and software value to the Cisco Connected Grid Router Series 1000 devices via modular hardware interfaces and software application hosting.