Seamless Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Cellular Conectivity - ConnectPort X Gateways - Digi International

Digi International introduced the ConnectPort X gateways, providing seamless connectivity of Wi-Fi, cellular, ZigBee, and Ethernet traffic to centralized applications and databases. These new products signify the introduction of a broader category of Digi’s Drop-in Networking solutions. which provide end-to-end wireless connectivity to commercial grade electronic devices in locations where wired infrastructure is not feasible.

Digi’s ConnectPort X8 Supports Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Cellular Conectivity

The ConnectPort X8 mesh gateway provides IP backhaul of mesh network traffic to a central monitoring hub on a LAN/WAN via a secure cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. By doing so, devices connected within the mesh network can be monitored and managed remotely, thereby minimizing, or even eliminating, the need to visit each device manually to collect data and verify its operating health.

The ConnectPort X8 provides integrated ZigBee/802.15.4 support and features two onboard PCIe modules that can be configured for cellular (3G, 2.5G and 2G options), Wi-Fi (802.11.b/g), GPS or mass storage (2 Gigabyte, user-defined). Configuration of the PCIe modules is flexible and can be defined as needed for the desired application. In addition, the ConnectPort X8 ships with one Ethernet port, one RS-232 port for connecting serial devices, two USB ports for additional device connectivity (e.g., camera, keyboard, memory stick, PDA) and a 1-Wire port for external I/O expansion. The 1-Wire port accepts both third-party electronic devices as well as Digi’s Watchport® sensors for monitoring temperature, humidity, moisture, proximity and acceleration/tilt.

The ConnectPort X8 also features an embedded Python® engine, giving users a powerful software tool to develop custom applications to run on the gateway. The Python environment is noted for its simplicity and can be used to automate many monitoring, notification and device management tasks.

About Drop-in Networking

Digi’s Drop-in Networking offers the way to improve asset utilization, provide better customer service and find alternate sources of revenue. Drop-in Networks provide an easy, economical and non-intrusive way to connect devices anywhere they reside.

Drop-in Networking solutions include ConnectPort X ZigBee-to-IP gateways, XBee wall routers and bridges, XBee device adapters, XBee embedded modules, Digi Connect WAN and ConnectPort WAN cellular routers, Digi Connectware Manager network management platform and core modules from Rabbit Semiconductor. Detai:

• ConnectPort X Gateways:
  • Support ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and Ethernet as well as GPS and 1 GB of local storage
  • Collect and transport local ZigBee traffic to centralized applications and databases on an IP network
  • Support Python, a free, open-source programming language with an extensive library that can be used to customize and/or automate tasks handled by the gateway
  • ConnectPort X8 available now; additional models planned for release include ConnectPort X4 in August (lower-cost, multi-function gateway with ZigBee, Wi-Fi and cellular capability) and ConnectPort X2 in September (single-function gateway for ZigBee-to-Ethernet or ZigBee-to-Wi-Fi applications)
• XBee Adapters:
  • Small stand-alone boxes built on the MaxStream XBee module for ZigBee device connectivity
  • Available in multiple data interface types and powering options
  • Provide off-the-shelf mesh connectivity to existing devices
  • RS-232, RS-485, 1-Wire and USB models will be available in July; Digital and Analog I/O models, a RabbitNet model as well as a serial port powered RS-232 version will be available by the end of September
• XBee Bridges and Routers:
  • For use in deployments that include remote ZigBee network clusters residing beyond the signal range of an adjacent ZigBee network
  • XBee wall router (repeater) is a simple plug-in router that utilizes a standard wall socket for power (adapters are available for international markets); it will "patch" areas within a ZigBee network where signal erosion or loss occurs due to distance limitations or air interference
  • XBee XTender can bridge between the remote cluster and a gateway on the neighboring ZigBee network using 900 MHz RF (rather than installing another ConnectPort X gateway at that remote cluster)
• XBee Embedded Modules:
  • MaxStream branded ZigBee compliant solutions that manufacturers can embed within their devices to provide native ZigBee connectivity
• Digi Connect WAN and ConnectPort WAN Cellular Routers:
  • Provide Ethernet-to-cellular connectivity for simple Drop-in Networking applications where isolated individual devices require connectivity
• Digi Connectware Manager:
  • Enterprise class software platform that can manage Drop-in Network hardware, including devices on a ZigBee network
  • Essential software tool for large-scale device deployments
  • Provides a one-to-many interface from which to provision and configure hardware, track device performance, remotely set filters and alarms, monitor connections, reboot devices and reset defaults, and remotely upgrade device firmware
• Rabbit Networking Products:
  • ZigBee-based RCM4510W and ZigBee-based RCM4400W RabbitCore modules, plus planned single board computer products based on them
  • Use Dynamic C to deliver that functionality in an easy-to-use environment
  • Fulfill need for applications requiring ZigBee devices with programmability and configurable data filtering/control at the end device

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 organization's corporate IT department. For example, Control Products, Inc., 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.

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.

The starter kits combining a ConnectPort X8 gateway with XBee adapters and modules, a sensor device, and an easy-to-use manual featuring sample applications will be available for sale in July 2007 at about $1000.

More info: Digi’s ConnectPort X features Ethernet, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Cellular Conectivity