The STarGRID platform represents the first approach to an SOC by embedding a front end, a dual core machine that runs both physical layer, a MAC layer, and a portion of the network layer with all the power requirements inside. ST has a communication node embedded in a chip with a high level of flexibility and programmability for either open standard or fully customized implementations. With the STarGRID, the user can communicate long distance with the powerful power amplifier that outputs up to 1 A output. Plus the STarGRID is pin-to-pin compatible from standard 2.4 kbps S-FSK up to 130 kbps OFDM, therefore the user can decide to go from one data rate to another data rate and have the same footprint on the communication devices resulting in a powerful machine. Protocol is typically embedded because ST is compliant with several standards. There is also a possibility for the user to run their own protocol on the ST7580, for example, where access is allowed to the MAC layer and the network layer.