Network module: Tiny, economical, powerful, Lantronix XPort Direct

By Control Engineering Staff February 1, 2007

XPort Direct is an “embedded device gateway” that provides fast, simple, reliable and affordable (under $20 in quantity) basic network connectivity for a wide range of high-volume, cost-sensitive products in consumer, industrial and commercial markets. Now virtually any OEM can add IP networking with minimal hardware and software engineering investment – thereby increasing the value and differentiating their products with remote diagnostics and maintenance capabilities, the company says.

Lantronix new XPort Direct is an embedded networking device gateway module and the latest offering in the Lantronix XPort family. The XPort Direct is a complete, miniaturized communications subsystem targeted at applications that need to move device commands, status and information over IP networks to or from remote devices. The XPort Direct is a component that is embedded onto the device manufacturer’s printed circuit board, enabling “drop in” network connectivity. This allows OEMs to differentiate products by delivering a wide range of capabilities, such as remote diagnostics, monitoring, maintenance, and control. It can be integrated into existing or new products with minimal hardware and software engineering. Under $20 in quantities, the XPort Direct breaks through existing market barriers, bringing Ethernet and Internet connectivity into a new high-volume, cost-sensitive applications, the company says. Applications include: industrial refrigeration, industrial sensing, home automation, entertainment systems, home security, appliances, POS terminals, vending machines, commercial lighting, and audio/visual equipment.

—Edited by Mark T. Hoske , Control Engineering editor in chief