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Overview

The GSM-to-Ethernet (G2E) bridge is a ready-to-use protocol converter that is intended for extending the communications reach of an existing device with an ethernet interface (TCP/IP) over a wireless GSM network. For example for out-in-the-field installations, when no ethernet network is available. Or for situations where the end-user does not allow use of the local ethernet infra-structure or independence of local infra-structure is wanted. (e.g. for security or availability reasons)

Original configuration

The configuration consists of an OEM device that has an ethernet interface and PC that communicates with the OEM device locally over an intranet using the TCP/IP protocol. (using telnet, FTP, HTTP, SMTP, etc)

 

 

Figure 1: Original (local) configuration 

 

 

Example configurations for remote access with G2E bridge

 

 

 

 

Figure 2: Dial-in access with analog modem (GSM data)

 

 

 

 

Figure 3: Mobile dial-in access with laptop and GSM phone.

 

 

 

 

Figure 4: Direct access via public internet. (requires GPRS)

 

Figure 5: Direct mobile access with PDA. (requires GPRS)

With the G2E bridge TCP/IP data is ‘bridged’ transparently between the PC/Laptop/PDA and the OEM device, the GSM network is used as a transport channel to get the TCP/IP packets to/from the OEM device. The G2E bridge supports both GSM data and GPRS as a carrier for TCP/IP based communications over a GSM network.

Using a dedicated control channel (via telnet and/or SMS) a user can dynamically switch between two or more OEM devices at the ethernet side. The control channel can also be used for remote control, diagnostics and retrieval of usage statistics.

The G2E bridge offers increased security by implementing two user-configurable white lists for filtering of unauthorized users and/or IP packets (IP source filtering). Additionally, the G2E bridge supports the unique Necoso ‘smart-on’ concept for even more security.

Quick comparison GSM data and GPRS

 

GSM data

GPRS

Connection type

Circuit switched

Packet switched

Billing You pay for duration of the connection. You pay for the amount of data that is transferred.

Max speed (baud)

 9600 115200 (theoretical), 38400 in real-life
Connection set up time ~ 30 seconds < 1 second ('always on')
Direct access to device via public internet No Yes, if GSM provider binds public IP address to SIM card. (more info)

In general GPRS is usually more cost-effective than GSM data if the device is to accessed frequently (> few times per day) and/or if the amount of data to be transferred is big (> few KB per visit). Contact your GSM provider for more details.

Specifications

Hardware

  • NCS0402 with AC/DC power adapter and dual-band GSM antenna.

Software

  • Necoso GSM Application Suite, consists of:

  • GSM application, for communications over a GSM network. Supports GSM data, GPRS and SMS. Comes with an number of helper applications for web based configuration and diagnostics.

  • CLI application, enables remote control of G2E bridge using telnet and/or SMS.

  • Log application, for logging events.

  • DynDNS application, enables use of fixed domain names (e.g. www.mydevice.dyndns.org) for GPRS connections.

  • G2E application, bridges IP packets between the ethernet and GSM interfaces of the NCS0402, performs network address translations, includes application layer gateways (ALGs) for FTP and HTTP.

All software is pre-installed on flash disk of the NCS0402.

Documentation

  • CD-ROM with installation manual, data sheets and application notes.

Support

  • One year of free application updates when they become available.

Not included

  • SIM card - You must purchase a SIM card with the appropriate GSM services from a GSM provider yourself. Note that if remote device access is wanted via the public internet, then a SIM card is required that supports the GPRS service and is assigned a public IP address whenever it attaches to the GPRS network. Not all GSM providers offer this service for their SIM cards. Click here for more information.
  • Ethernet cable - the type of ethernet cable (patch cable/cross-over cable) and the length of the cable that is required for connection to the G2E bridge depends on your specific network situation.

Click here for latest datasheet. 

 Click here to contact us for more information about the G2E bridge.

 

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Necoso, Het Kasteel 315, 7325 PE Apeldoorn, The Netherlands
Phone: +31 (0)55-3601410, fax +31 (0)84-7246122
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Last updated:07-jan-2013