Product category:
Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications
News Release from: Digi International | Subject: ConnectPort WAN
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 27 September 2007
WAN connects remote sites
The ConnectPort WAN allowed Dorner to IP-enable remote construction sites.
Dorner is a networking company with customers in locations where there are no proper network connections This made remote monitoring of these facilities difficult, if not impossible
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 13 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Dorner needed a solution that would allow these facilities to be IP-enabled so users could access and communicate with the DornerControl I interface externally.
The company chose a ConnectPort WAN from Digi International.
Previously, Dorner has used GSM modems connected to the control stations at remote processing sites.
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Although these modems did permit a network connection to exist when there was no hardwire option, the connection was limited to 9600 baud and only certain SIM cards would work in certain locations.
Setting the modem up to work with each system was also a complicated process.
"The Digi solution is vastly superior to our previous system" according to Manfred Strasser, Team Leader, Networking Technology, at Dorner Electronic.
"It works over all 3G cellular networks, and there is virtually no setup involved".
"This has made our system easier to use while operating much more effectively".
Dorner also chose Digi because of the option to customise the software on the ConnectPort WAN.
Rather than having to run Digi's proprietary ConnectWare Manager software, Dorner was able to use its ISL Light programme, which Dorner uses for its remote service activities.
The ConnectPort WAN VPN works with GPRS, EvDO, CDMA, HSDPA and other types of cellular networks ensuring compatibility virtually anywhere in the world.
Field-upgradeable hardware ensures future-proof compliance with coming generations of cellular networks.
The speed of the connection does depend on the range from the nearest cellular tower and signal strength, however it can be up to 70 times faster than the previous GSM modems.
Setup is simple as the units are pre-configured at Dorner's headquarters before being shipped directly to the site.
Once the ConnectPort WAN arrives, it merely has to be plugged into a serial port and then begins working immediately.
In fact, in locations that are using the Digi solution, setup took less than an hour.
There is also a VPN (virtual private network) option for increased security.
"We had Digi's support team assisting with the initial system setup, however we did not experience any problems in the implementation", continued Strasser.
"The product is very intuitive to use, and the support highly competent; we have found Digi to be a pleasure to work with".
Dorner's customers now have more control over their systems at all times, and from anywhere with an internet connection worldwide.
The result has been better data collection, fewer problems at production sites, and increased safety as problems can be identified in real time.
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