Module offers OEMs a choice of wired or wireless comms

Digi International claims to have developed the first embedded module that will allow manufacturers to offer either wired or wireless communications for their products.

Digi`s ConnectCore Wi-9C module (above) combines wired 10/100Mbit Ethernet communications in the same device as secure 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN networking. Joel Young, Digi`s vice-president of engineering, says that the development will make it easier for manufacturers to meet the growing demand for wireless communications "by providing a single, secure solution for both wired and wireless networking".

Another potential attraction is that the device is pre-certified to eliminate costly delays during product development. "Wireless design requires regulatory approval of a device in each region it is deployed," Young explains. "By pre-certifying the ConnectCore Wi-9C, Digi eliminates these costly and time-consuming certification processes."