Embedded Wi-Fi module

Connect One has released Nano WiReach, an embedded Wi-Fi bridge that connects any embedded device to 802.11b/g wireless LANs with minimal programming.

It is a multiple hardware interface with extensive firmware functionality.

Based on the company’s iChipSec CO2144 IP controller chip, the device includes a full suite of internet protocols and applications, enabling immediate and full featured connectivity for embedded users without any Wi-Fi driver development or porting.

The firmware supports several modes of operation including: LAN to Wi-Fi bridge, allowing transparent bridging of LAN over Wi-Fi using direct RMII connection to existing Mac hardware — any microcontroller with a built-in ethernet AC can be connected to Wi-Fi with zero development effort; serial to Wi-Fi bridge enabling transparent bridging of serial data over Wi-Fi using the module’s speedy 3 Mbps UART; full internet controller mode, allowing simple microcontrollers to use the protocol and application capabilities to perform complex internet operations such as email, FTP, SSL, embedded web server and others — internet controller mode can be used with any hardware interface; embedded IP routing, allowing multiple Wi-Fi clients to use a single WAN connection to the internet, using the device as a router; PPP emulation offering existing (eg, mobile modem) designs currently using PPP to interface to the modem by connecting over Wi-Fi with no changes to application or drivers.

It includes RMII, USB, SPI and fast UART interfaces for integration into existing or new designs. It is available in two versions — one with an antenna connector and one with a built-in antenna.

Internet security includes the latest Wi-Fi encryption algorithms (WPA/WPA2, in both PSK and enterprise modes) and SSL encryption algorithms.

It also serves as an inherent firewall, protecting the embedded application from attacks originating from the internet.