Product category:
Manufacturing networking systems
News Release from: Digi International | Subject: ConnectPort X
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 19 June 2007
Drop in networking enabled by Digi
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
Digi International has introduced the ConnectPort X product family, a line of IP gateways that 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
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 4 Nov 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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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.
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According to Glen Allmendinger, president, Harbor Research: "These Drop-in Networking solutions prove that Digi's innovation and leadership are un-matched".
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 non-intrusive 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," said 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 exploit Digi's expertise across a broad range of wireless technologies including ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular, and our 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 - Details of each follow.
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 1 GB of local storage.
Additional models planned for release later this summer include the ConnectPort X4, a lower-cost, multi-function 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: 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 RS-232, RS-485, 1-Wire and USB models.
Over the next three months, we will add Digital and Analog I/O models as well as a power harvesting version of the RS-232.
XBee bridges and routers: 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 900 MHz 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: 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: 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 a) utilises ZigBee to connect electronic devices like sensors and controllers in a self-configuring, self-healing network; b) cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet to relay the mesh network traffic back to an IP network; and c) 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.
For more information on all Drop-in Networking products, please visit the Digi International web site.
"Drop-in Networking addresses the two acute requirements in this market: the need for a complete offering to cover the diverse requirements and most importantly, the need to provide users, device manufacturers, integrators and application developers a simple, easy-to-apply family of networking solutions," said Allmendinger of Harbour Research.
"Making it simple to network products and utilise the wealth of information they contain will revolutionise all businesses and their relationships with customers".
Crown Castle International, a leading independent owner and operator of shared wireless communications and broadcast infrastructures, uses Digi Connect WAN routers to provide wireless wide area networking connectivity to monitor aviation safety lights installed at approximately 4,500 cellular tower sites.
These towers sit in remote locations where no wired broadband connections are available.
"Using Digi's commercial grade wireless products and Connectware Manager software platform in combination with cellular data networks, we were able to build Drop-in Networks to monitor approximately 4,500 remote sites," stated Chris Tretter, Crown Castle's Vice President of Operations.
"Light Corporation, a developer of commercial and industrial lighting control systems, uses Drop-in Networking technology as the connectivity solution for its new Intu 360 degrees workspace control system".
"The company ZigBee-enabled a line of industrial lighting fixtures so they can be monitored and controlled remotely using a ConnectPort X ZigBee-to-cellular gateway".
"This wireless Drop-in Network allows us to easily install an Intu control system into an existing infrastructure in a non-intrusive way," said Lawrence Leete, Director of Sales and Marketing, In-Industry Markets, Light Corporation.
"Because the network is wireless, it also significantly reduces the cost and time associated with expanding or re-configuring the lighting system - anywhere from 40 to 80 percent over traditional wired systems".
"Our wireless platform, built on a Drop-in Network from Digi, provides us with a significant advantage over our competitors in the commercial and industrial lighting and controls space".
"We're taking something ordinary and mundane - as lighting is viewed by most people - and with Digi's help, turning that commodity into an exciting technology infrastructure that has limitless possibilities outside of the lighting-only realm".
"Customers also use Drop-in Networks where wired connections might be available, but are not accessible due to the "red tape" laid down by a third party organisation's corporate IT department".
"For example, Control Products, an electronics manufacturer that designs and manufactures electronic controls for the foodservice equipment industry, uses Drop-in Networking technology to monitor equipment performance during field trials at customer sites".
"Foodservice operators are reluctant to open their corporate data network to outside parties," said Bob Bruce, CTO, Control Products.
"Using Digi's Drop-in Networks, our customers can bypass the network of the foodservice operators, but still monitor the onsite kitchen equipment using a reliable cellular link back to their own data network".
There's no additional wiring and no dependence on the operator's IT infrastructure.
These Drop-in Networks have added tremendous value to our overall product offering.
"Many technology developers and application service providers (ASPs) have embraced Drop-in Networking as a revolutionary way to connect to and communicate with remote devices".
Developers such as Twisthink, Global Tier and SSI and ASPs like nPhase and SensorLogic are using Drop-in Network technology to help their customers more efficiently manage their remote assets.
"Drop-in Networks bring a new level of simplicity to the provisioning of Smart Services," said Steve Pazol, VP and GM of nPhase, a Qualcomm business.
"These wireless end-to-end networks reduce the barriers to installing device connectivity and more easily enable Smart Services solutions for mainstream markets".
"By combining Digi's Drop-in Networking products with our offerings, nPhase is able to deliver Smart Service solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each OEM client".
"Drop-in Networks enable the kind of product and business innovation that we strive to deliver for our diverse customer base," added Bob Niemiec of Twisthink LLC.
"In partnership with Digi and nPhase, we have designed a wireless workspace command and control system that allows Light Corporation to commercialise a highly differentiated lighting system that uniquely delivers significant usability and cost savings to its customers".
"The science of design and the art of technology have been effectively exploitd to position Light Corp as an industry leader with this new system".
"Wireless control of remote devices creates opportunities for companies to deliver innovative service value and establish new revenue streams," said Dale Booth, Chairman and CEO of SensorLogic "We see tremendous value in combining Digi's Drop-in Networking products with our on-demand software platform to enable just these sorts of breakthrough opportunities for our customers.
SSI has successfully integrated Digi's embedded ZigBee technology with sensor technologies to provide complete wireless solutions for its OEM customers.
"SSI is excited to be a charter member of Digi's Drop-in Networks partner program," said Michele Mordacq, President of SSI.
"Our customers are looking for non-intrusive ways to install networked sensors into their customer's sites".
"Drop-in Networks allow our customers to easily deploy wireless sensor networks for remote site and equipment monitoring".
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