Mini Socket iWiFi, a new embedded serial-to-WiFi module that quickly and easily connects embedded devices running machine-to-machine (M2M) applications to 802.11b/g wireless LANs with minimal programming. Mini Socket iWiFi’s extremely compact size, battery save modes, and advanced roaming features make it an ideal solution for mobile M2M devices.

Based on Connect One’s iChipSec CO2128 Internet Protocol (IP) communication controller chip, Mini Socket iWiFi includes a full suite of Internet protocols and applications, enabling immediate and full–featured connectivity for embedded solutions. Mini Socket iWiFi includes the latest wireless and SSL encryption algorithms and serves as a firewall, protecting the embedded application from the Internet.

The Mini Socket iWiFi’s compact size (only 31x41 mm, antenna connector integrated onto the module) and advanced features make it an ideal solution for mobile, battery-operated embedded devices. To facilitate mobility, Mini Socket iWiFi supports seamless roaming between access points. With several sleep modes and the ability for the host application to turn off WLAN, power requirements are kept to a minimum. In deep sleep mode, the Mini Socket WiFi’s power consumption is only 30 micro-amperes, allowing battery operated devices to use the module for extremely long periods of time.

“Wireless LANs have become the defacto standard for short and medium range wireless communications in M2M applications for point of sale, medical devices, and security applications,” noted Ariel Shulman, Vice President Sales for Connect One. “Our decision to release the Mini Socket iWiFi was driven by strong customer demand for a small, power-efficient and full-featured M2M solution for their devices. Since the Mini Socket iWiFi is based on our CO2128 chip, customers appreciate the future-proofing option of significantly cutting BOM costs by moving to an on-PCB design.”

By using CO2128 as the IP controller, Connect One is able to offer Mini Socket iWiFi at the lowest price point for embedded wireless LAN modules. With a product portfolio that lets customers switch from one product to another, large-volume customers can easily migrate from the Mini Socket iWiFi to an onboard implementation of the iChipSec CO2028 and a Marvell 88W8686-based chipset. Reference designs outlining the transition can be downloaded from Connect One’s website.

Connect One can effectively and quickly WiFi-enable non-PC devices that use any kind of embedded real-time operating system. Designers do not need to significantly reprogram their applications to connect WLAN using the Mini Socket iWiFi. Driven by simple text commands, Connect One’s Mini Socket iWiFi offloads the WiFi drivers, WPA supplicant, Internet security, networking protocols, and all communication tasks from the host application. This frees up host processing time and simplifies the wireless design process. As a coprocessor with remotely updateable firmware, new security or connectivity protocols do not require application redesign, increased memory or faster processor speed to meet future wireless demands.

Mini Socket iWiFi supports 10 simultaneous TCP/UDP sockets; two listening TCP sockets; SMTP, MIME, POP3, FTP, Telnet, and HTTP/HTTPS clients; an embedded Web server with a website for the host application and one for configuring the module; and SerialNet™ mode for serial-to-IP bridging. Mini Socket iWiFi supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA1 and WPA2 encryption, AES-128/256, SHA-128/192/256, 3DES; the SSL3/TLS1 protocol for a secure client socket session and a secure FTP session.

The module operates at an industrial temperature range of -40° to 85° C (-40° to 185° F) and is RoHS-compliant.

Availability and Evaluation Board
Mini Socket iWiFi is available now. Pricing starts at $59. The II-EVB-362MW evaluation board provides an easy environment for developing applications and testing Mini Socket iWiFi.

About Connect One
Established in 1996, Connect One Ltd. is widely regarded as the device networking authority, with many innovative firsts to its credit. The company manufactures semiconductors and device servers that facilitate secure, reliable and robust Internet Protocol-based communication for everyday devices. Connect One is privately owned, with offices in San Jose, CA, Japan, Hong Kong, and Kfar Saba, Israel.

Information Source:    Business Wire