PRESS RELEASE:
Laird Releases Multi-Interface Platform for Low-Power, Long-Range IoT Deployments
Global technology leader Laird has announced the release of its new Enterprise Internet of Things (EIoT) Low-Power, Long-Range LoRa gateway, which enables enterprise customers to deploy EIoT networks in practically any geographic location, even where traditional communications infrastructure is unavailable.
“The Sentrius RG1xx has been purpose-built from the ground up to create a secure, scalable, robust LoRa network solution,” said Scott Lordo, senior vice president of Laird. “The RG1xx, paired with the other elements of Laird’s growing Sentrius LPWAN ecosystem, enables cost-effective and end-to-end control of public and private LoRa networks alike.”
OEMs and developers have the essential elements to accelerate EIoT development for many of the most challenging industrial settings and applications, ranging from smart metering to equipment monitoring to municipal asset management and more.
In industrial automation, for example, full-scale networks can be used to track assets that are spread across a vast facility. A LoRa network can easily span an entire campus and gather sensor data that can provide deep insights needed to maintain efficiency, productivity and be used to make the best business decisions possible. The Sentrius RG1xx gateway helps to make a proprietary network easy to build, scale, and maintain.
The Sentrius RG1xx provides an unmatched level of versatility to suit a developer’s application by incorporating LoRa as part of a multi-interface platform, blending both local area and wide area technologies.
Equipped with Laird’s unique enterprise grade 802.11 a/b/g/n MIMO Wi-Fi, wired Ethernet, Bluetooth and BLE connectivity within a single LoRa gateway, the gateway enables integration of key short-range, low-power wireless technologies with the most effective Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology to dramatically expand the geographic range of IoT implementations.
LoRa, which is a rapidly growing standard in the LPWAN space for IoT and machine-to-machine connectivity, provides secure, bi-directional data transfer and communications with IoT networks over long distances for years without a battery change.
It can usually send and receive signals up to 10 miles, but that distance can be extended to hundreds of miles with additional gateway deployments, as needed. This provides more convenience and flexibility for EIoT implementations that can be integrated nearly anywhere, without the need to build telecom infrastructure up to the site or pay for on-going commercial cellular subscriptions.
Based on the Semtech SX1301 / SX1257 chipset designs enabling eight channels and powerful 27 dBm transmit power, the gateway is designed to work seamlessly with Laird’s LoRa ecosystem of Sentrius RM1xx LoRa + BLE certified modules and LPWAN antennas, delivering simple out-of-the-box integration and compatibility with third party Cloud and LoRa partners and other LoRaWAN client devices.
The Sentrius RG1xx gateway also comes equipped with intuitive web-based configuration, integrated LoRa packet forwarder software, and default settings for multiple LoRa network server vendors. It is fully certified for FCC, IC, CE, along with a Bluetooth SIG listing, Lordo said.
Concurrently, Laird is also announcing the Sentrius RG1xx-M2 LoRaWAN Concentrator Card. Expanding on Semtech’s drivers and reference design, the RG1xx-M2 card enables OEMs to integrate a high-performance, certified LoRaWAN gateway interface to any Linux based platform.
“With multiple wired and wireless interface options, the RG1xx gives you complete design freedom to create a private end-to-end LPWAN network, which eliminates the need for a network carrier subscription,” Lordo said. “The RG1xx gateway, paired with the RM1xx series of LoRa and BLE modules and Laird’s LPWAN antennas, will give developers and OEMs control of their cost-effective LoRa ecosystem.”
PRESS RELEASE:
Icon Labs Announces Authentication Solution for Internet of Things Manufacturers
Icon Labs (www.iconlabs.com), a leading provider of security solutions for IoT and edge devices, has announced the availability of the Floodgate Certificate Authority (CA). Floodgate CA is the server side portion of Icon Labs’ PKI solution and provides certificate management for companies choosing to implement their own certificate-based authentication using public key infrastructure.
IoT security requires strong authentication. All IoT devices, including the smallest endpoints, must support mutual authentication, ensuring all communication is between known, trusted devices, and that all access is authorized. Certificate-based authentication using Public Key Infrastructure provides a proven, reliable authentication method.
The Floodgate CA can be deployed on a hardened server or hierarchy of servers in a private environment to provide a closed PKI system without dependence upon public certificate authorities or other third-parties. It can also operate as a sub-CA of a public CA, allowing OEMs to choose the operating model based on their IoT authentication requirements.
Floodgate CA can be used with any PKI client, including Icon Labs’ Floodgate PKI Client Toolkit; an embeddable PKI client for IoT devices. Floodgate PKI Client enables even the smallest of IoT devices to generate keys, create certificate signing requests, and retrieve signed certificates from the Certificate Authority.
“This is the only security solution that provides both the client and server side required to automate secure provisioning and enrollment,” said Alan Grau, President of Icon Labs. “The Floodgate Certificate Authority and Floodgate PKI Client toolkit enables developers to easily and efficiently integrate certificate-based machine-to-machine authentication for IoT devices.”
The PKI client supports SCEP, EST, and OCSP on all RTOS, embedded Linux, and Windows devices. The Floodgate Certificate Authority encompasses a wide-range of potential use cases including key management, generating public key infrastructure certificates, and injecting pre-generated keys during the manufacturing process.
“PKI will re-emerge as one of the most relevant authentication mechanisms for organizations addressing the IOT authentication problem. PKI’s flexibility is important when adapting to changing requirements and represents identity verification in a cross-platform, multiprotocol approach.” – Gartner Research
Icon Labs’ products provide embedded security for IoT and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) solutions in aerospace, industrial, medical control devices, and consumer electronics. The Floodgate Security Framework provides a “defense in depth” solution to protect control units and endpoint devices from cyber threats, aid in compliance with regulatory mandates and guidelines, and gather and report command, event, and device status information for audit requirements.
PRESS RELEASE:
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Connects Industrial Internet of Things With MTConnect Open Standard
In its continuing effort to help manufacturers leverage Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) opportunities to improve productivity and reduce manufacturing costs, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. introduces an MTConnect adapter to facilitate shop floor monitoring. MTConnect is an open standard that allows the sharing of a common language between machines and other electrical equipment from various manufacturers.
Compliant with version 1.31 of the MTConnect standard, the new MTConnect adapter captures the NC data from machines on the shop floor in real time and formats it into the MTConnect standard. Using one common communication tool for all equipment eliminates the need for specialized, proprietary software from multiple equipment vendors.
The MTConnect adapter combined with a third-party client software interface gives executive management, plant managers and shop floor personnel a complete overview of shop floor activity. Armed with that data, shop floor personnel can quickly detect problems or inefficiencies in their production line and take action to remedy the situation.
“IIoT has the ability to transform the manufacturing industry. We want to help our customers create a truly connected production line and our MTConnect adapter is a giant step forward in that process,” said Steve Dumont, vice president, technical service and support, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. “Using MTConnect with our MTConnect adapter has the potential to boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) for those manufacturing leaders who are embracing IIoT.”
Machine tools in North America equipped with the latest Mitsubishi Electric CNC controls can immediately use the MTConnect adapter to connect equipment on their shop floors. Information on the MTConnect adapter and the comprehensive line of factory automation products and solutions from Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at https://us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en.
PRESS RELEASE:
Crystal Group Brings IoT Capabilities to Rugged Environments
Crystal Group Inc., a trusted designer/manufacturer of rugged commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom computers, displays, switches, and storage devices, has joined the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance, reaffirming its longtime commitment to delivering revolutionary technology in rugged and reliable systems.
Over the past 30 years, Crystal Group has designed, manufactured, tested, and delivered highly reliable computer and electronic systems that leverage the most advanced hardware and software available. As an Intel Technology Platinum Provider, Crystal Group adheres closely to the Intel Roadmap to bring the very latest Intel innovations to aerospace and defense, automotive, commercial, industrial, and other discerning customers quickly and efficiently.
Now Crystal Group takes the Internet of Things (IoT) and enterprise-level capabilities to the edge, through its expanded relationship with Intel and participation in the Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance. Crystal Group and its broad portfolio of ruggedized, field-tested products put powerful IoT technologies and countless enterprise capabilities within reach of customers and applications in harsh environments – whether land, sea, air, or space – where traditional computer hardware would be destroyed.
“The Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance is a perfect fit for Crystal Group, which has been dedicated to delivering smart, capable systems everywhere they’re needed, even the most inhospitable environments, for decades,” says Scott Kongable, president at Crystal Group. “Intel and the Internet of Things continue to change and enhance the way people work, live, and play. Crystal Group is proud to partner with Intel and collaborate with other Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance members to provide robust systems and IoT functionality to meet the needs of end users everywhere.”
The Intel Internet of Things Solutions Alliance is a global ecosystem of more than 500 industry leaders and more than 6,000 solutions – including Crystal Group servers, workstations, embedded computers, networking equipment, storage systems, and displays – helping to fuel IoT success.
PRESS RELEASE:
Telink Semiconductor Releases Updated BLE Chip SDK for Apple HomeKit
Telink Semiconductor, a developer of highly integrated, low-power radio frequency and mixed signal system chips for Internet of Things applications, has announced that it is releasing an updated version of its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) software development kit (SDK) for Apple HomeKit. This means that any HomeKit licensees can use Telink’s SDK to develop products and accessories, based on a single-chip solution that features built-in security key authentication. HomeKit enables Apple devices to communicate with and control IoT-connected devices in the home, such as smart locks; lights; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; sensors; and more.
Apple HomeKit is unlike other platforms, the company explains, in that it doesn’t require a central hub device, since the ecosystem is designed in a way that works around existing iOS devices, with an iPad acting as the hub. Devices can communicate with each other, with HomeKit serving as the interface that ties all devices in the network together.
HomeKit devices work exclusively on either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and there are rigorous encryption requirements to enable a secure environment, as well as specific chip-set requirements that are needed to achieve certification. Ccommunications between products is accomplished locally, rather than data having to be transmitted via the cloud.
“Telink is a strong supporter of Apple HomeKit and one of the first ones to deliver SDKs to smart-home accessory manufacturers,” said Wenjun Sheng, Telink Semiconductor’s CEO, in a prepared statement. “We already have customers lined up for our new HomeKit chip solution, which means we expect new Telink-based HomeKit devices on the market this year.”
Combined with Telink’s BLE mesh technology, this creates a smart-home solution providing concurrent simultaneous real-time control of connected devices using different standards in the home via HomeKit. It can manage multiple nodes’ online and offline status using network traffic control technology within the chips. In addition, the technology provides a synchronized control mechanism within multi-hop or large mesh networks. The same hardware can also be used for Apple HomeKit support.
PRESS RELEASE:
Retail IoT Platforms to Connect 12.5 Billion Assets by 2021, Says Juniper Research
New data from Juniper Research has found that retailers will connect 12.5bn business assets, such as products, digital signs and Bluetooth beacons, to IoT platforms by 2021. This figure is expected to rise from 2.7bn in 2016, representing a 350% increase.
Juniper predicted that RFID (radio-frequency identification), will re-emerge as the industry’s ‘killer app’ becoming the key factor in the IoT retail ecosystem. RFID tags, used to identify and locate retail assets in real-time, are now at a low enough price point for mass deployment and integrate well with new IoT systems and analytics. New services, such as dynamic pricing or enabling promotional offers via in-store digital signs are also poised for growth.
Juniper’s latest research, IoT in Retail: Strategies for Customer Experience, Engagement & Optimisation 2017-2021, argued that ‘next-gen’ processes, such as personalised retail, could be achieved by integrating enterprise software and emerging technologies, with data from connected IoT assets. Juniper forecast that software spend for enterprise resource planning systems to integrate this data would reach $11.3bn annually in 2021, from $1.5bn in 2017.
“Innovative retailers such as Rebecca Minkoff have combined RFID with smart mirrors” explained research author Steffen Sorrell. “Integrating these systems allows real-time information to improve the store experience and bridge physical and virtual worlds – in this case, the concept drove a 200% increase in sales.”