Digi International has introduced the Digi ConnectPort X3, a low-cost, programmable cellular gateway for monitoring and tracking remote assets. Featuring flexible device interfaces, including ZigBee, RS-232 serial, analogue and digital input/output and GPS (global positioning system), the compact gateway provides global connectivity to remote devices and device/sensor networks via GSM GPRS cellular networks. The gateway is integrated with the iDigi Platform, a cloud-computing service that makes it easy to remotely manage devices and integrate device information into a company's back-end systems and machine-to-machine applications. The gateway features an optional embedded XBee ZigBee module allowing the gateway to connect to a network of ZigBee-enabled wireless devices or sensors for local data aggregation over a cellular network. For example, in a tank farm application ZigBee sensors communicate tank level data to the gateway, which then aggregates the data and sends it back to the tank monitoring systems over cellular networks. The gateway also features an optional analogue I/O, digital I/O or RS-232 serial port for direct wired connectivity. Optional internal GPS is also available for asset tracking. The gateway features a fully integrated suite of development tools for end-to-end remote device customisation, management and IT back office integration. Digi ESP provides a familiar Eclipse-based integrated development environment for seamless installation, detection, debugging and customisation of ConnectPort X3 applications. Using familiar Python scripting language and powerful Digi Dia framework, the gateway allows for rapid development of remote device applications. Fully integrated into iDigi, data from ConnectPort X3 connected devices can be hosted for pay-as-you-go remote management and/or integration into IT back office applications using industry standard web services.
