Networking Digi

ConnectPort X8, Ethernet and Cellular (EU 3G HSDPA), ZNet 2.5, RS-232, USB, 10/100Base-T, 9-30VDC, ZigBee/802.15.4 4" antenna, 680g, Series 2 Companies across many vertical markets are increasingly discovering the value of networking remote electronic devices such as sensors, alarms and controllers using low-cost, low-power ZigBee/802.15.4 wireless mesh technology. Such networks make it simple and cost-effective to poll, monitor, adjust and control systems that previously required laborious and expensive manual processes or extensive wiring

Digi's ConnectPort X8 mesh gateway provides IP backhaul of mesh network traffic to a central monitoring hub on a LAN/WAN via a secure cellular, Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. By doing so, devices connected within the mesh network can be monitored and managed remotely, thereby minimizing, or even eliminating, the need to visit each device manually to collect data and verify its operating health

The ConnectPort X8 is a key element of Digi's Drop-in Networking solutions – a collection of products that also includes our XBee ™ adapters, modules and bridges for connecting assorted electronic devices to mesh networks. Together, these products provide the ability to network devices or groups of devices where no wired networking infrastructure exists or where access to an existing network is prohibited.

The ConnectPort X8 provides integrated ZigBee/802.15.4 support and features two onboard PCIe modules that can be configured for cellular (3G and 2.5G options), Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), GPS or local storage (1 Gigabyte, user-defined). Configuration of the PCIe modules is flexible and can be defined as needed for the desired application. In addition, the ConnectPort X8 ships with one Ethernet port, one RS-232 port for connecting serial devices, two USB ports for additional device connectivity (e.g., camera, keyboard, memory stick, PDA) and a Sensor port to accept Digi’s Watchport environmental sensors.

The ConnectPort X8 also features an embedded Python ® engine, giving users a powerful software tool to develop custom applications to run on the gateway. The Python environment is noted for its simplicity and can be used to automate many monitoring, notification and device management tasks.

Managing Devices on the ZigBee Network

The Digi Connectware ® Manager software platform allows you to manage the entire Drop-in Networking infrastructure from one central management console. It largely automates device discovery and initial network configuration while providing a window to monitor all gateways and networked devices, set alarms and update firmware.

Digi Connectware Manager provides centralized management of each gateway as well as all nodes associated with a gateway, so you can monitor battery life and signal strength, and remotely control device properties and settings. Digi Connectware Manager will also provide the ability to upgrade firmware on mesh nodes once ZigBee support for over-the-air upgrades is established.

Series 1 and Series 2 gateways are based on different and incompatible ZigBee/802.15.4 platforms. Series 1 gateways must be used with Series 1 XBee modules and adapters and Series 2 gateways with Series 2 XBee modules and adapters.