Europe : Amplicon is pleased to announce the `Connectport WAN VPN' (CWV) next- generation cellular router designed to connect RS232 or Ethernet devices in-the-field directly to an internet facing PC anywhere in the world.

Now, thanks to this device, remote sites that previously could not connect to the internet can be networked and web connections made from mobile devices on busses, trains and in cars using the roaming functionality of cellular networks.

With support for GPRS, 3G and HSDPA the unit can provide connectivity via any network - simply put the appropriate SIMcard into the unit, adjust two of the configuration settings and power up.

The CWV is targeted at mid- to high-end applications in outdoor or industrial environments. Solid metal construction and a wide -30 to +60degC operating temperature allows the unit to be deployed almost anywhere. E1 approval means the unit can be used directly on trains, busses and cars. It also provides evidence of the excellent EMCand mechanical characteristics of the enclosure.

The dual RS232 ports can be configured as Virtual COM ports in a remote PC or operate in a TCPserver / client mode of operation. This can be especially useful when connecting to serial devices that intermittently output RS232 data. When data is present, the CWV can create a connection to a remote server, transfer the ASCII message and drop the connection once finished. If an always-on connection is preferred, the `Sure-link' heartbeat facility will keep the connection alive.

A built-in 4-port switch allows four Ethernet devices to connect directly to the CWV without the requirement for an additional switch and its associated power / mounting requirements. Extensive routing functions including NAT, PAT (port forwarding) and VPN gives the unit the flexibility to perform in any way the system architecture dictates.

When used in conjunction with static IP addressed SIMs, also available from Amplicon, the RS232 and Ethernet devices attached can be connected to directly (not normally possible with standard SIMs) from any internet facing PC in the world. This is an extremely powerful solution that allows entire fleets of vehicles or thousands of static devices across continents to be accessed in real-time from a single central server.

David Evans, Data Communications Product Manager at Amplicon commented: "The Connectport WAN VPN is one of the most exciting and innovative products we have seen at Amplicon in recent years. The ability to build mobile IP networks that span entire continents will facilitate new ways of working not previously imagined. Conceptually, we can now provide an Ethernet or RS232 cable the length and breadth of the globe."