Digi launches commercial-grade EVDO Rev A wireless WAN router

November 7, 2006

Digi International introduced a Rev A version of its ConnectPort WAN VPN, the industry's first commercial-grade EVDO Rev A Wireless WAN (WWAN) router. With broadband download and upload speeds, it is the first commercial-grade solution to take advantage of enhanced Rev A EVDO wireless networks to enable wireless connections to remote sites and devices at DSL speeds.

"Digi pioneered this new space called Wireless WAN," said Larry Kraft, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Digi International. "Because the ConnectPort WAN VPN can now provide both fast upload and download speeds, it has opened the door for new wireless networking applications. Two way high-speed communications is necessary for tasks such as real-time video monitoring, connecting remote retail/POS branches as well as creating temporary networks. It is also ideal for backup network connectivity where high upload speeds are critical."

The ConnectPort WAN VPN with an integrated Sierra Wireless MC5725 EV-DO Rev A embedded module provides download speeds as high as 2.5 Mbps with averages between 450 and 850 Kbps and upload speeds averaging between 300 and 400 Kbps.

The ConnectPort WAN VPN provides a secure, high-speed cellular connection for reliable primary and backup network connectivity to remote sites and devices. It is secure, easy to use and fast, allowing companies to realize the benefits of wire-free networking such as reduced monthly costs, quicker/easier installation and more freedom to easily re-locate remote equipment.

The ConnectPort WAN VPN is network independent and upgradeable, making it easier for customers to quickly migrate to future advanced platforms as networks evolve. Using the ConnectPort WAN VPN with its integrated Sierra Wireless MC5725 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module, customers can deploy on Rev A EVDO networks today and upgrade to next generation networks when they become available by replacing the wireless module. This provides maximum flexibility for future network upgrades and protects the initial investment in the router.

"The Digi ConnectPort WAN VPN offers customers a reliable, secure, high-speed wireless choice for data access and backup from areas where a wired solution would be cumbersome or even impossible," said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President of Sales for Sierra Wireless. "It's a great example of the practical applications that have opened up with the expansion of 3G wireless networks, and we're pleased to work with Digi to deliver EV-DO Rev A modules first to market and provide solutions addressing these market needs."

The ConnectPort WAN VPN is the newest member of Digi's cellular family of high speed, commercial-grade wireless routers. It offers an easy and cost-effective means of connecting virtually any remote location into the corporate IP network at wireless broadband-like speeds. Featuring an embedded four-port Ethernet switch, two RS-232 serial ports and one USB port, the ConnectPort WAN VPN enables many different kinds of devices to connect to a central site using a single wireless connection. It can be managed locally via a built-in web interface or remotely using Digi Connectware Manager, the industry's only enterprise class remote device management and monitoring software for Wireless WAN applications.

The EVDO Rev A version of the ConnectPort WAN VPN is currently in certification testing with Sprint and is expected to be complete in fourth quarter 2006. The base product has been available since April 2006.