Wifi Revolution

With wireless operators promising widespread roll-out of their EV-DO Rev. A networks, what’s missing is a solution that will enable distribution of DSL-speed wireless connectivity to multiple devices at a site.

 

Now, Digi International (News - Alert), collaborating with Sierra Wireless, has rolled out its Rev. A ConnectPort WAN VPN router product, which is says is the first of its kind and will bring wireless broadband connectivity to remote locations without requiring any additional wiring.

 

The new ConnectPort WAN VPN series includes an embedded Sierra Wireless (News - Alert) MC5725 EV-DO Rev. A module for use with either wireless EV-DO networks—the product is currently in the midst of certification testing with Sprint (News - Alert), and should also be available for use with Verizon’s network . 

 

The devices enable download speeds up to 2.5 Mbps upload speeds that average 300-400 Kbps. With its ConnectPort line, Digi provides a secure, high-speed connection that is secure, easy to use, and fast, allowing companies to realize the benefits of wireless networking—reduced costs, ease of installation, and freedom to re-locate equipment.

 

While the data transfer speeds of EV-DO are not the same as a wired broadband connection, it is an easy and economical solution where wired networking is not feasible or where reliable backup connectivity is required—and, for those who have used EV-DO service, it is by no means unbearable. In fact, EV-DO networks are perfectly capable of carrying VoIP traffic, such that the landline-based user has little idea the call was paced using VoIP technology.

 

“Because the ConnectPort WAN VPN can now provide both fast upload and download speeds, it has opened the door for new wireless networking applications,” said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Digi International.

 

Kraft continued: “Two way high-speed communications is necessary for tasks such as real-time video monitoring, connecting remote retail/POS branches as well as creating temporary networks. It is also ideal for backup network connectivity where high upload speeds are critical.”

 

While the upgradeable wireless router promotes migration to future 3G platforms, the ConnectPort router also includes two RS-232 serial ports for connecting legacy devices, a four-port 10/100 Ethernet switch for connecting additional TCP/IP network devices, and a USB port, allowing many different devices to be connected to a single wireless connection. 

 

The ConnectPort router can be managed locally via a built-in Web interface or remotely using Digi Connectware Manager, specifically designed as an enterprise-class remote device management and monitoring software for Wireless WAN applications.

 

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