Connecting a device to the Internet for remote monitoring or control
in machine-to-machine (M2M) applications isn't easy. Yet Wi-Fi is quickly
becoming the most asked for requirement in M2M applications, such as
point of sale, medical devices, and security. While the hardware is well
known, the project is more of a software development effort. Now you
can add Internet connectivity via any Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless local-area
network (WLAN) access point or hot spot with a drop-in module that
requires no software effort.
Device networking company Connect One and radio modem supplier
Wi2Wi have collaborated to offer the Secure Socket iWiFi module. This
module provides a fast and effective way to Wi-Fi-enable non-PC
devices that use embedded real-time operating systems. It features an
input via a standard RS-232 nine-pin D connector, a complete
10/100BaseT Ethernet controller, the
Marvell 88W8686 802.11b/g wireless
chip set, and Connect One's iChipSec
CO2128 IP controller (see the figure).
The module provides for connectivity
with dial-up modems as well as cellular
modems using GSM, GPRS, CDMA,
cdma2000, EDGE, or satellite. The
CO2128 controller includes the latest
encryption and hardware internalized
security, as well as a full suite of Internet protocols and applications
that serve as a firewall.
With this chip, all Internet connectivity, cryptography, and security is
offloaded from the application processor. This frees up host-processing
capability and simplifies the design process. As a co-processor, the
CO2128 has a remotely updatable firmware capability, making new
security or connectivity protocols easy to add without redesign, increasing
memory, or boosting processor speed to meet future wireless
demands. The iChipSec CO2128 has an integrated hardware-based
SSL encryption engine to ensure end-to-end secure data transfers even
over the Internet. It also acts as a firewall on a chip protecting the
application from network attacks.
The module core operates at 1.2 V with I/Os running from 3.3 V. Typical
dissipation is 200 mW. Several sleep
modes further reduce power consumption.
The Secure Socket iWiFi is available now
for less than $40 in 5000-unit lots. The IIEVB-
361MS evaluation board is available
for development and testing.
Connect One Ltd.
www.connectone.com
Wi2Wi Inc.
www.wi2wi.com
