MOXA is first to release IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless device servers

13-Sep-2007

MOXA is first to release IEEE 802.11a/b/g wireless device servers

 

MOXA announced the release of the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus, the first wireless device servers in the world to support IEEE 802.11a/b/g. With these new device servers, users can switch to 802.11a operation if there is too much wireless traffic with 802.11b or 802.11g.
The NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus are both designed to connect serial devices such as PLCs, meters, and sensors to a wireless LAN. Communications software can then access the serial device from any location over the wireless LAN. As wireless device servers, the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus require fewer cables and are ideal for applications that involve difficult wiring situations. Moreover, a WLAN environment provides an excellent solution for devices that frequently move or change locations.

802.11 a/b/g wireless connectivity for serial devices
With support for 802.11a/b/g, the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus are easily integrated into a wireless system. Whereas other wireless device servers only support 802.11b or 802.11g, the new NPorts can use 802.11a to avoid other wireless traffic. By supporting three major wireless standards, the new NPorts are also easily used in other countries.

Secure data access with WEP, WPA, WAP2
Since security is a major concern when data is transmitted wirelessly, the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus support WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption standards. With WPA and WPA2 enterprise mode, RADIUS authentication helps ensure a safer and more reliable system.

Wireless roaming profiles
The ability to move or "roam" between access points (APs) is common in office and factory Wi-Fi networks. Roaming behavior can be managed on the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus using profiles with different "connect rules". This allows the NPorts to switch between different APs based on signal strength or priority.
Off-line port buffering and serial data log
If the wireless connection goes down, the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus are designed to continue operating, with serial data saved in a built-in 10 MB port buffer. The data will be transmitted once the wireless connection is restored. This is an important feature for mission-critical applications where data cannot be lost. Troubleshooting is also made easier through the serial data log feature.

Built-in WLAN site survey tool
Before a wireless network installation, WLAN site surveys are typically conducted to help determine the appropriate number and placement of access points at a site. The NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus have a built-in tool for conducting WLAN site surveys without any additional equipment or software.

Secure remote management and configuration with SSH/SSL

To prevent unauthorized access, a major headache for system managers, the NPort W2150 Plus and W2250 Plus provide IP filtering and password protection. In addition, SSH and SSL are supported. Control messages can be transmitted securely using a web browser that supports https, such as Internet Explorer. A terminal emulator that supports SSH can also be used, such as PuTTY.

 

Courtesy of  MOXA