Module Grants Many Devices Wireless Features

June 1, 2004
Even though many device manufacturers want to join the wireless bandwagon, they lack the in-house resources to develop wireless connectivity. Now, help may have arrived in the form of Lantronix's WiPort module. This integrated device server supports...

Even though many device manufacturers want to join the wireless bandwagon, they lack the in-house resources to develop wireless connectivity. Now, help may have arrived in the form of Lantronix's WiPort module. This integrated device server supports both wired and 802.11 wireless Ethernet. Each module includes a complete TCP/IP network stack and OS as well as an embedded web server. That server can be used to remotely configure, monitor, or troubleshoot the attached device.

The WiPort product eliminates the complexity of adding wireless networking to a device. It also operates independently of a personal computer. In a single module, WiPort provides an integrated solution that combines a processor, memory, 802.11b transceiver, and dual high-speed serial ports.

By providing both wired- and wireless-LAN interfaces, WiPort offers manufacturers the flexibility to incorporate networking into their products. WiPort includes a robust operating system with embedded web- and device-server functionality, a full TCP/IP protocol stack, and WEP/WPA security. All of these features squeeze into a compact form factor that's smaller than a matchbook.

WiPort's platform is designed to accommodate a broad range of OEM requirements for wireless embedded-device servers. With 40 pins per module, WiPort can support many different interfaces. Plus, the flexible antenna configuration enables WiPort to be placed anywhere on a board. WiPort also delivers serial data speeds by supporting up to a 920-Kbaud rate. The software that was developed for Lantronix's XPort is fully compatible with the WiPort platform, thereby enabling a quick migration from a wired to wireless design.

The WiPort units are available now. Please contact the company for pricing information.

Lantronix, Inc.15353 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618; (949) 453-3990, FAX: (949) 453-3995, www.lantronix.com.

About the Author

John Blyler

John Blyler has more than 18 years of technical experience in systems engineering and program management. His systems engineering (hardware and software) background encompasses industrial (GenRad Corp, Wacker Siltronics, Westinghouse, Grumman and Rockwell Intern.), government R&D (DoD-China Lake) and university (Idaho State Univ, Portland State Univ, and Oregon State Univ) environments. John is currently the senior technology editor for Penton Media’s Wireless Systems Design (WSD) magazine. He is also the executive editor for the WSD Update e-Newsletter.

Mr. Blyler has co-authored an IEEE Press (1998) book on computer systems engineering entitled: ""What's Size Got To Do With It: Understanding Computer Systems."" Until just recently, he wrote a regular column for the IEEE I&M magazine. John continues to develop and teach web-based, graduate-level systems engineering courses on a part-time basis for Portland State University.

John holds a BS in Engineering Physics from Oregon State University (1982) and an MS in Electronic Engineering from California State University, Northridge (1991).

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