Digi Cellular Gateways

Digi International's line of cellular gateway offerings provide remote locations with the ability to communicate with one another wirelessly via cellular network links. To use them, a gateway is deployed at each location with support for the appropriate cellular network (internal, ready-to-be-provisioned modules or card slots--PCMCIA or PCI Express--facilitate connectivity to the differing cellular links). The local devices then connect to the gateway via wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi communications, which are then converted and carried to the remote location over the cellular airways.

Key products currently offered in Digi's cellular gateway product line include:

- ConnectPort WAN VPN is a four port router that is targeted to usages such as monitoring remote SCADA devices in utility operations, connecting retail/POS branches, digital content distribution for applications like digital signage, etc.

In addition to its four 10/100 ports for connecting Ethernet devices, the router also includes two RS-232 ports for connecting serial devices, as well as dual USB ports. Management of the device is via a built-in Web-based interface (HTTP or HTTPS), CLI, or Telnet; or remotely via the vendor's (optional) Digi Connectware-Manager software for the management of multiple devices from a central interface.

The ConnectPort is billed by the vendor as an upgradeable device: Though it does not have externally accessible slots for expansion, the device nonetheless is based on enclosed, embedded Type II PCMCIA Cards or PCI Express modules; modules which can be upgraded to provide the router with extended connectivity options as they become available. Connect options for the device include support for CDMA EvDO Rev. A and GSM HSDPA/UMTS networks; the vendor lists AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, IUSACELL, and Rogers as certified wireless carriers for use with the router, depending on the model selected.

- The Digi Connect WAN family of devices are single port boxes (10/100 or serial) primarily for the management of individual remote devices. Among the Connect WANs are those for 2.5G and 3G cellular networks, including GSM EDGE/CDMA 1xRTT, GPRS, and HSDPA/EV-DO Rev. A communications. Integrated VPN features are included on some models.

- The Digi Wi-Point 3G, in addition to providing cellular network gateway connections also serves as an 802.11b/g access point (i.e., local devices can communicate with the gateway via an Ethernet connection or via Wi-Fi). The Digi Wi-Point 3G supports, according to the vendor, better than 40 cellular cards via an included PCMCIA data card slot (PCI Express cards can also be connected with an appropriate adapter) facilitating its connection to the cellular network. Ethernet (10/100) connectivity is also included, and other features include IPsec VPN, WPA2, automatic cellular card detection, analog modem failover support, and firewall features.

- New to the product family are the Digi Transports, cellular routers targeted for deployment as a primary broadband connection point or a backup for existing broadband connections. A stateful firewall is listed as a standard feature, while integrated VPN capabilities are optional. Transport models are available supporting GSM GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA and CDMA EV-DO Rev A. Other features include VRRP and the vendor's VRRP+ for automated failover, and both Web and CLI-based management.

Three product lines are initially offered in the Digi Transport line.

The "WR" models offer a single async serial port, (RJ-45 RS-232; a single DB25 RS-232 and three RJ-45 RS-232 ports are listed as optional); an optional sync/async port (DB25 RS-232); a single Ethernet port, and a single USB port. Also optional on the WR are the vendor's GPS and I/O Telemetry modules.

The "SR" models include dual sync/async ports (DB-25 RS-232), a four-port Ethernet switch and dual USB ports. A single RS-422/X.21 sync port is listed as an option.

Finally, the "DR" models include three sync/async DB-25 RS-232 ports, with six 6 RJ-45 RS-422/X.21 ports listed as optional. Like the SRs, The DRs also include a 4-port Ethernet switch and dual USB ports; but the DRs also include a built-in ADSL modem for primary connectivity (failover to cellular), as well as a Wi-Fi connectivity option.

- A companion product to the Digi cellular gateways is the Digi DialServ, a phone line simulator device that enables legacy gear with included modems to connect to and through the cellular gateway via the serial connections. The Digi DialServ includes a standard telephone jack on one side for connectivity to the modem, and a serial port on the other side for connecting to the cellular gateway. The device works in conjunction with the gateway to support both dial-in and out applications; it simulates a standard telephone line for use by the device, converting dial requests to IP addresses.

The devices are available now; the new Digi Transports are expected to begin shipping in the Americas and Asia Pacific region in early November with prices of $495 (WR), $895 (SR) and $995 (DR).

Visit the Digi International Web site for further information.