New Wireless LAN processor modules with configuration options for simple Wi-Fi transition

May 27, 2008 3:09 PM

Laird Technologies, Inc. announced a new range of 802.11 wireless LAN processor modules that provide a wide range of AT commands and web configuration to make the Wi-Fi transition simple for M2M (machine-to-machine) designers.

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M2M is widely seen as the next growth area in technology, providing remote monitoring solutions for many sectors of society. Traditionally, most M2M implementations used cellular modems to provide communication; however, these carry a high cost and make them difficult to justify for many M2M applications. The growing popularity of Wi-Fi in-home networks, hotspots, and public Muni-Fi installations now enables a new era of M2M using the wireless network to transmit data back over the internet to monitor applications.

Because configuring devices to connect to a wireless access point is different from connecting to a cellular modem (a barrier to early adoption), Laird Technologies has developed a range of wireless modules with innovative configuration options that address this issue and build on designers’ existing experience.

In order to cater to cellular and fixed-line modem designers, comprehensive AT commands are provided that allow configuration and connection to wireless access points. Another unique feature is the ability for designers to further customize and integrate additional commands that provide the flexibility to emulate other connection devices.

Web and Internet designers have the option of a web configuration page that allows Laird Technologies’ WLAN modules to be configured in situ. The configuration pages include useful features such as a local scan of access points. The modules are shipped pre-loaded with a standard configuration page that can be fully customized or extended by designers.

These WLAN modules also include an advanced scripting engine, allowing users to write programmable scripts to control the wireless behavior. A default configuration script is included that can be invoked from the M2M application to automatically connect to an access point and middleware or to place it under customer control. All configuration options can be accessed using free development tools available from the company’s web site.

The module includes an interpreter running a powerful scripting language that removes the need for any host-processing capability. This allows the implementation of complete applications (such as Internet-enabled energy monitors, appliances, and healthcare devices) inside the WISM module, drastically reducing production costs of wirelessly enabled products.