Digi International continues to expand its connectivity of devices from wired connections, such as serial, USB and Ethernet, to wireless communications. We offer unique best of breed wireless solutions to attach serial and USB devices to Bluetooth® and 802.11b wireless networks. This product range offers the flexibility and scalability required for mission-critical enterprise applications.
Following is information about these wireless technologies to help you choose the best solution for your application.
802.11b/Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a broad, LAN/WAN based protocol that allows devices to connect
to a larger network. It enables a device (like a PC) to connect to other
devices through a networking protocol such as TCP/IP. The focus is on
wire-free connections to business networks, allowing a user to log on
and use the resources of that network through a connected “access
point.” Typical connections are within 200 feet, but are sometimes
susceptible to interference.
- General LAN communication
- High speed video
- Storage device traffic
- Print servers
- External Serial Servers - Serial-to-wireless IP network
PortServer® TS
W MEI Wireless Series
Digi Connect® Wi-SP
- Embedded Solutions - Embedded modules for wireless IP network integration
ConnectCore™ Wi-9C
Digi Connect®
Wi-ME
Digi Connect®
Wi-EM
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is usually a peer-to-peer connection, allowing devices to
talk directly to each other. The focus can be on close range connections
(up to 10 meters) between portable devices such as a PDA and a cell
phone or longer range (up to 100 meters) for applications where longer
cabling may be impractical. No “access point” is necessary
for many Bluetooth applications as the devices communicate directly
over a virtual wire. This leads to a more ad-hoc approach to connecting
devices based on resources available rather than specific network log
on capabilities that are common in Wi-Fi. The idea is that you can communicate
with any Bluetooth enabled device within range. Connections are typically
within 10 meters (Class 2 radios) or 100 meters (Class 1 radios) and
are more resilient to interference. For one-to-many connections, access
points are also available.
- Serial cable replacement
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Printing
- PDA connections
- Cell phone connections
- Headsets
- Cameras
- Mall kiosks
- Internet hot spots
- Portable medical equipment
- Data collection
- External wireless serial cable replacement & host-to-device communications
Wavespeed®/S
Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth Comparison
| Feature | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|
| Time Table | Standard - 1998 Products - 2000 |
Standard - 2000 Products - 2001 |
| Frequency Band | IEEE 802.11b - 2.4 Ghz | 2.4 Ghz |
| Rated Speed | 11 to 54 Mbps | 1 to 2 Mbps |
| Distance | IEEE 802.11b - Up to 300 feet | Up to 300 feet (Class 1 radio) Up to 30 feet (Class 2 radio) |
| # of Access Points | IEEE 802.11b -Every 200 feet | Not usually needed. If used, every 30/300 feet depending on radio class |
| Wireless Concept | Wireless Ethernet LAN | Wireless serial cable |
Digi wireless product matrix
| 802.11b/ Wi-Fi | Bluetooth | |
|---|---|---|
| PortServer TS W MEI Digi Connect Wi-SP |
Serial-to-wireless IP network external device server | |
| ConnectCore Wi-9C Digi Connect Wi-ME Digi Connect Wi-EM |
Embedded modules for wireless IP network integration | |
| Wavespeed/S | Wireless serial cable replacement or host-to-device connection |
