Drop-in Networking

1 Automatische Datensammler (Zählerfernauslesung)
2 Füllstandsmessung
3 Fleet Management/Cold Chain
4 Building Control
5 Remote Monitoring of Rodent Traps
6 Agricultural Automation
7 Serial Cable Replacement

 

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Drop-in Networking provides end-to-end wireless access to electronic devices in isolated, hard-to-reach locations using a comprehensive and easy-to-apply set of networking products.
By addressing the challenge of networking devices where wireline infrastructure is unavailable, Drop-in Networking promises to revolutionize the way that companies apply technology to improve asset utilization and deliver smarter service solutions.

From energy management/utilities, to building control/automation, manufacturing/industrial, security/public safety, gaming, supply chain management and government/municipal, Drop-in Networks provide a non-intrusive and economical way to bring network intelligence to distributed electronic devices that has not been available until now. These completely wireless networks enable new applications that empower companies to unlock alternative revenue channels and provide unprecedented benefits to end users.

Key Features of a Drop-in Network:
- Wireless
- Non-intrusive
- Low cost
- Secure
- Reliable

Digi's Drop-in Networking products include ZigBee®/802.15.4 wireless mesh gateways, adapters, modules and extenders.
They provide the ability to network devices or groups of devices (e.g., sensors, alarms, controllers) where no pre-deployed networking infrastructure exists or where access to an existing network is prohibited. Drop-in Networking makes is possible to easily and cost-effectively poll, monitor, adjust and control systems that previously required laborious and expensive manual processes or extensive wiring.

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1. Automatische Datensammler (Zählerfernauslesung)

Problem: A local power distribution company utilizes a dial-up AMR system for its largest commercial customers, who purchase excess power for their own needs and for self-generation. The system is unreliable and is not easily scalable. The company would also like to deploy technology that will improve its compliance monitoring efforts.
Solution: Power meters and generators are brought onto a mesh network using XBee™ adapters. A ConnectPort™ X gateway transports information from sensors on those device back to applications on the power company's IT network.

Benefits:
Access to metering information every 15 minutes
Tampering alarms for compliance monitoring

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2. Füllstandsmessung

Problem: A bulk materials vendor uses field sales personnel to check and record tank inventory at customer sites, reducing sales force productivity. Inventory readings are sporadic and vulnerable to reading/recording error.
Solution: Tank level sensors measure inventory levels. XBee™ adapters mesh-enable the sensors so inventory data can be collected and backhauled to a central IP network using a ConnectPort™ X gateway.

Benefits:
Sales force is no longer diverted from selling
More frequent and accurate inventory monitoring results in improved customer service

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3. Fleet Management/Cold Chain

Problem: Refrigeration failures and unlocked door latches cause inventory loss and insurance claims; truck component failures create unnecessary maintenance and asset utilization loss.
Solution: Sensors deployed throughout the tractor-trailer are network-enabled using ZigBee® mesh technology. An onboard ConnectPort™ X gateway carries the mesh data traffic back to central applications on the trucking company's IP network for monitoring.

Benefits:
Key systems and components on the vehicle can be monitored for proactive maintenance
Automated alarms alert company personnel to unauthorized incursions to the truck's cargo hold
Refrigeration failures can be identified quickly enough to save perishable inventory and avoid insurance claims

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4. Building Control

Problem: Operator of multi-site warehouse network would like centralized control of lighting systems and the ability to remotely monitor entry/exit doors.
Solution: Ballasts on light fixtures are embedded with XBee™ modules for mesh network connectivity. Contact closures on the entry/exit doors as well as proximity sensors are mesh-enabled using XBee™ adapters. A Digi Watchport® USB camera connected to the ConnectPort™ X gateway's USB port takes a video image of the area around the entry/exit door when the proximity sensor is triggered. The gateway houses an embedded cellular module that carries data from all devices on the mesh network back to facility management applications running on the company's IP network.

Benefits:
Lighting control manifests downloaded to the ConnectPort X optimize light utilization for each facility
Automatic dimming and zone controls based on occupancy and available daylight drive lower energy consumption and electricity costs
Remote monitoring of facility access provides theft deterrent.

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5. Remote Monitoring of Rodent Traps

Problem: Rodent control is a problem that plagues many businesses and can be a major safety hazard in enterprise applications. In large scale locations, such as a factory or warehouse, rodent traps are placed strategically at points throughout the building. The downside of traditional rodent control is that managers must spend time and money for personnel to manually check and empty the traps. Solution: A rodent control system manufacturer equipped a new line of traps with XBee-PRO™ embedded RF modules. The modules wirelessly communicate with XBee-PRO RF adapters at remote monitoring station PCs, notifying facility managers when the traps are full.

Benefits:
Wireless remote monitoring of real-time activity on rodent traps
Increased efficiency and reduced labor costs

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6. Agricultural Automation

Problem: A poultry producer operates several farms throughout the country. Feeding, drinking, heating, cooling and ventilation systems are monitored and maintained by a field service team that visits each farm on weekly basis. Immediate service needs on these systems are called in by the farm's manager upon which the company deploys a service technician to perform the repair. Without knowing the exact nature of the problem, technicians sometimes arrive without the necessary replacement parts to get the systems back up and running. In addition, response times can be slow due to farms being in rural locations. The company would like to remotely monitor these whole house systems in order to diagnose the nature of failures before dispatching a technician and to perform predictive failure analysis.
Solution: The company uses Digi's XBee™ adapters to connect these whole house systems to its corporate IP network where data can be monitored centrally. The data is transported from the farm to the company's primary IP network over a cellular connection using Digi's ConnectPort™ X gateway.

Benefits:
Visibility to device and system failures before they occur
Higher first-visit repair rates since diagnosis happens before field techs arrive onsite
Improved equipment uptime, consistently optimal environmental conditions for growth, and better production yield

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7. Serial Cable Replacement

Problem: A multi-unit convenience store chain wants to install variable message signs at the corner of each property where they can be easily seen by passing vehicles. Stores will display both chain-wide and store-specific messages that are programmed into the sign from a PC in each store. To deploy this messaging system the chain must link the variable message signs to the PCs in the stores, which on average are separated by over 100 feet.
Solution: Rather than disrupt the operation of each property by digging a conduit beneath the concrete apron to lay a wired connection, the chain chose Digi's XStream™ RF modems to link the sign and the PC wirelessly. Each store requires two modems - one at the sign and one at the PC to create a reliable RF bridge.

Benefits:
XStream modems cost less than one-tenth of the price of a protected wired solution
Existing stores are spared the disruption of laying new cable beneath existing concrete aprons
New stores can be configured in a fraction of the time a wired connection requires