Network kit drops in to connect over IP

IP gateways provide seamless connectivity of ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet traffic to centralised applications and databases.

New from Digi International, the ConnectPort X family of IP gateways provide seamless connectivity of ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet traffic to centralised applications and databases.

The ConnectPort X8, available now, also features GPS, local storage and easy programmability.

The ConnectPort X family is augmented by a new family of XBee adapters and routers that provide device connectivity and network integrity.

These new products signify the introduction of a broader category of drop-in networking solutions requested by Digi customers.

Drop-in networking solutions provide complete, end-to-end wireless connectivity to electronic devices in locations where wireline infrastructure doesn't exist or satisfy customer needs.

According to Glen Allmendinger, President, Harbor Research: "These drop-in networking solutions prove that Digi's innovation and leadership are unmatched".

By addressing the challenge of networking devices where wireline infrastructure is unavailable, drop-in networking promises to revolutionise the way that companies apply technology to improve asset utilisation and deliver smarter service solutions.

From applications in energy management, to building control, manufacturing, supply chain management and a host of others, Drop-in networks provide a nonintrusive and economical way to bring network intelligence to distributed electronic devices that has not been available until now.

These completely wireless networks enable new applications that empower companies to unlock alternative revenue channels and provide unprecedented benefits to end users.

"The next wave of internet growth is clearly focused on device centric connectivity", says Joseph Dunsmore, CEO, Digi International.

"Our new product announcements and drop-in networking initiative clearly position Digi as the technology leader in this long-term growth opportunity".

Drop-in networks leverage Digi's expertise across a broad range of wireless technologies including ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and its industry-leading 900MHz RF.

Drop-in networking solutions include ConnectPort X mesh-to-IP gateways, XBee device adapters, routers and bridges, XBee modules and Digi's Connectware Manager device management platform.

ConnectPort X gateways collect and transport ZigBee traffic to centralised applications and databases on an IP network.

The ConnectPort X8 is available now and supports ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet as well as GPS and 1Gbyte of local storage.

Additional models planned for release later this summer include the ConnectPort X4, a lower-cost multifunction gateway with ZigBee, Wi-Fi and cellular capability, as well as the ConnectPort X2, a single-function gateway for ZigBee-to-Ethernet or ZigBee-to-Wi-Fi applications.

All ConnectPort X gateways support Python, a free, open-source programming language with an extensive script library that can be used to customise and/or automate tasks handled by the gateway.

Also included in the drop-in networking family is Digi's existing line of cellular routers and gateways sold under the Connect WAN and ConnectPort WAN product names.

XBee adapters are stand-alone device adapters built on the MaxStream XBee module for ZigBee connectivity.

Available in multiple data interface types and powering options, these adapters provide off-the-shelf mesh connectivity to existing devices.

Available in July will be RS232, RS485, 1-Wire and USB models.

Over the next three months, the company will add digital and analogue I/O models as well as a power harvesting version of the RS232.

Some deployments may include remote ZigBee network clusters that reside beyond the signal range of an adjacent ZigBee network.

Rather than installing another ConnectPort X gateway at that remote cluster, the XBee XTender can bridge between the remote cluster and a gateway on the neighbouring ZigBee network using 900MHz RF.

The XBee XTender is shipping now.

In addition, an XBee wall router (repeater) will "patch" areas within a ZigBee network where signal erosion or loss occurs due to distance limitations or air interference.

This device is a simple plug-in router that utilises a standard wall socket for power.

The XBee wall router will be available August 2007.

XBee modules are ZigBee compliant solutions that satisfy the unique needs of low-cost, low-power wireless sensor networks.

These modules are easy to use, require minimal power and provide reliable delivery of critical data between devices.

Their small form factor saves valuable board space.

XBee modules are currently available and field proven.

Connectware Manager is an enterprise-class software platform from which to manage all connected hardware, including devices on the ZigBee network.

It provides a one-to-many interface from which to provision and configure devices, track device performance, remotely set filters and alarms, monitor connections, reboot devices and reset defaults, and remotely upgrade device firmware.

It displays all nodes on the ZigBee network with the ability to query for node profiles, descriptors, connected endpoints, radio configuration settings, radio statistics, bindings and more.

Connectware Manager is the essential software tool for large-scale device deployments.

Also included in the drop-in networking family are products from Rabbit Semiconductor which include the existing RCM4510W and RCM4400W RabbitCore modules and planned single board computer products based on them.

Drop-in networking applications have demonstrated a need for a ZigBee devices with programmability and configurable data filtering/control at the end device.

Rabbit solutions, using dynamic C, deliver that functionality in an easy to use environment.

In combination, this group of products allows customers to easily drop in a wireless network that uses: ZigBee to connect electronic devices like sensors and controllers in a self-configuring, self-healing network; cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet to relay the mesh network traffic back to an IP network; and is supported by a complete remote device management solution.

Subsequent announcements will be made this summer as new drop-in networking products are launched and available to customers.

In July, starter kits combining a ConnectPort X8 gateway with XBee adapters and modules, a sensor device, along with an easy-to-use manual featuring sample applications will be released for sale.

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