Smart highways are another possibility. Remote monitoring and control could be done like that. Sensor data, or even video indicating the state of traffic or weather conditions, could easily be monitored. Warning signs or traffic signals could be activated, too, in response to specific conditions.
Perhaps the ultimate application would be in the home. We're just beginning to see networked PCs at home. The availability of home gateways permits two or more PCs to have Internet access. What else can be networked? Your security system is a real possibility, as is the heating and air-conditioning system.
A lot of people claim that most appliances are targets of opportunity. While a major appliance like a refrigerator or washing machine may be a candidate for networking, it's doubtful that we will see toasters, hair dryers, or blenders operating in a networked mode.
Home entertainment devices might also be networked. TV sets, VCRs, DVDs, audio systems with MP3 capability, and games are all ripe for some kind of Internet access. Of course, monitoring and controlling utilities, such as electric, gas, or oil, is a real possibility. The IP2022 can be used in all of these applications.
Some examples are a simple one-page Web server inside of a hot-water heater, or a simple e-mail server inside of a security system. You get the idea. In any case, all of these devices require "super cheap" hardware to make them practical and affordable. The IP2022 is a device that has the necessary performance at this consumer price point.
Price & Availability
Samples of the IP2022 will be available in the first quarter of 2001. Volume production will follow in the second quarter of 2001. Unit pricing will be $9.75 each in 10,000-piece quantities.
Ubicom, 1330 Charleston Rd., Mountain View, CA 94043. Phone (650) 210-1500; Fax (650) 210-8715; www.scenix.com or www.ubicom.com; e-mail: sales@scenix.com and sales@ubicom.com.