WiFi modules support 802.11b/g/n wireless standards for IoT

Providing full support for 802.11b/g/n, the G2 series enables easy switching between WiFi access point and WiFi client operation modes whilst operating at an industrial temperature range of -30 to +85°C. Broadcom's BCM43362 WiFi Transceiver SoC works alongside the modules' 802.11b/g/n MAC and baseband functionality to provide high system performance for IoT connectivity. The integrated iChip internet controller enables multiple hardware interfaces, firmware, secure internet protocols for WiFi client mode and up to eight WiFi users in router or access-point modes.

Minimising project development challenges and time to market, the modules enable designers to gain fast connectivity without any WiFi driver development or porting.

Where WiFi infrastructure does not exist, the G2 modules can also serve as independent WiFi access points. Using the modules, customers can connect to and manage their deployed, in-field devices via standard WiFi devices, such as iPhones, iPads and Android phones. Featuring WiFi encryption algorithms (WEP/WPA/WPA2), internet SSL communication and encryption algorithms, the modules ensure complete security. To protect the application from attacks originating from the Internet, the modules also provide a secure separation between the embedded application and the network.

Customers using Connect One's Nano WiReach and Nano Socket iWiFi modules can upgrade to the G2 WiFi modules without having to make any hardware or software changes. The company's AT+i Application Programming Interface (API) remains the same. 

The G2 modules offer firmware support for several modes of operation. The modules can firstly be used as an embedded router where LAN or WiFi clients can gain a single cellular WAN connection to the Internet (3G router) or routing between LAN and WiFi networks. Using the modules as an embedded access point, customers can connect devices containing WiFi to the product's embedded access point to control or manage processes. The modules can also be used as a serial/LAN to WiFi bridge, enabling direct RMII connection to existing MAC hardware. Any MCU with a built-in Ethernet MAC can be connected to WiFi with no development effort. Simple MCUs can also use the modules’ rich protocol and application capabilities to perform complex internet operations, such as e-mail, FTP, SSL, embedded Web server and others. This full internet controller mode can be used with any hardware interface. The modules can also be used for PPP emulation, allowing designs to interface transparently with the cellular modem over WiFi with no changes to application or drivers.

For easy integration, the G2 modules feature RMII, USB, SPI and fast UART interfaces. The modules are available with an antenna connector or a built-in antenna. Continued support for 10 simultaneous TCP/UDP sockets; two listening TCP sockets; SMTP, MIME, POP3, FTP, Telnet and HTTP/HTTPS clients is provided by the modules. An HTTP/HTTPS embedded Web server with a Web site for the host application and one for configuring the module is also provided. The modules also support 64-/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, AES-128/256, SHA-128/192/256, and 3DES encryption; and the SSL3/TLS1 protocol for a secure client socket session and a secure FTP session.

“We are proud of our new G2 WiFi modules and the value we are bringing to existing and new customers,” noted Erez Lev, General Manager, Connect One. “Existing customers can rest assured that their investment is in tact, and new customers can look forward to a full-featured, competitively priced WiFi module line.”