Firmware adds functionality to WLAN devices

The revised firmware adds new functions, such as the search for available access points, the transparent transmission of on-board digital I/O signals, an integrated power management and a DHCP client for automatic IP address assignment.

This extends the performance range of the devices and facilitates more applications, according to Insys.

For DIN-rail mounting, the company supplies a WLAN serial 2.0, or WLAN bridge 2.0 for Ethernet-connected devices.

This is ideal for factory automation or plant data systems without the need for expensive or disruptive network cabling.

An embedded communication module for integration into custom-built devices is also available in the I-module form factor.

All WLAN communication devices from Insys transmit data according to the IEEE 802.11b industry standard, providing a transfer rate of up to 11Mbit/s.

They can be operated in infrastructure mode (access points) and in ad hoc networks.

Encoding is ensured by Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) at 64- or 128-bit.

The serial adapters Insys WLAN serial and I-module WLAN serial allow for the addressing of RS232 interfaces as IP ports in the network, which makes it possible to send serial data as TCP/IP packets.

The free-of-charge, virtual COM port driver for Windows 2000/XP can serve as a remote station.

This permits the use of standard configuration tools for remote configuration tasks, even if this tools are only designed for serial connections.

The Ethernet WLAN bridges Insys WLAN bridge and I-module WLAN bridge enable the wireless integration of Ethernet devices or the wireless connection of network segments.