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Tech Briefs CellPort Labs, Inc. has developed a mobile network server-designed to enable bi-directional data com-munications and network-management functions within vehicles and provide real-time, wireless connectivity between vehicles and remote applications. It allows vehicle manufacturers and application developers to network software and hardware applications easily, and cost-effectively connect a range of vehicles to corporate networks, Intranets, and Internet sites. The new CP2100 eliminates a major obstacle currently facing telematics, Intelligent Transport System (ITS), and mobile infotainment systems—that of integrating various data management functions within the vehicle and linking them with a centralized application via wireless communication networks. The CellPort product is the first commercial unit designed specifically to manage the growing list of in-vehicle networks. The CP2100 is also a universal gateway for real-time wireless data communication, extending the Internet Protocol (IP) over wireless networks to vehicles. Application designers can use the product to integrate enterprise software solutions or any other Internet-accessible resource to vehicles around the world. It enables the various data networks and electronic devices within a vehicle to function as a node on the Internet. Said Larry Simmons, Manager, WIN4 distribution, GTE Wireless, "GTE developed the WIN4 network to meet the growing demand for commercial wireless data communications. We expect the vehicle-based mobile data system to be a driving force as companies worldwide develop programs for everything from fleet management to infotainment. Enabling technologies like CellPort's CP2100 further encourage the rapid deployment of telematics applications and help transform exciting concepts into working solutions." Currently, CellPort is working with several partners to integrate CP2100 into practical solutions. In most cases, partners are looking for a server solution that can collect and manage data to/from a vehicle, then transmit the data via a wireless network in real time. Markets for the CP2100 include tracking and monitoring of fleet vehicles, operation of agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, railroads, vehicle road testing, military operations, and in-vehicle information/entertainment systems. "Wireless connectivity and protocol conversion are key ingredients for the successful implementation of advanced telematics systems and the development of Internet-based systems withinthe vehicle," said Allan Kirson, Chair, SAE IDBTM Committee. "CellPort's technology proved invaluable in linking the wide range of IDBTM-based systems and applications in our three demonstration vehicles to fixed networks via wireless links." The CP2100 integrates protocol conversion for a variety of vehicle buses and devices, wireless gateway communications independent of wireless links, and embedded application router management capabilities. Its architecture allows vehicle networks and RF links to be separated by a controller/gateway, providing a software application layer between the air link and the vehicle. This allows telemetry, data collection, two-way communication, as well as a command and control interface to be created independent of the wireless data link. Application software can be developed to poll, filter, collect, process, and store data collected from the vehicular network. Some examples of vehicular data sources are Class II native networks, transponders, sensors, timers, engine control computers, GPS receivers, and operator data terminals. Data from the host can be sent to the vehicle to communicate with the operator, provide GPS information, run diagnostic routines, reconfigure data collection routines, download code, and run executable software. The CP2100 supports a variety of emerging vehicle bus interfaces including IDBTM, J1708, J1850, CAN, and ODBII. |
