CellPort Delivers Wireless, Vehicle-Based Applications Platform
26 July 1999
CellPort Delivers Wireless, Vehicle-Based Applications Platform; Announces CP2100 Mobile Network ServerNew Mobile Server Integrates On-Board Commercial Applications with Wireless Connectivity to Link Vehicles to Intranets and the Internet BOULDER, Colo., July 26 -- CellPort Labs, Inc., a leading provider of vehicle-based voice and data connectivity systems, today announced the CP2100, a mobile network server designed to enable bi-directional data communications and network management functions within vehicles and provide real-time, wireless connectivity between vehicles and remote applications. With the emergence of wireless data, in particular wireless IP networks, the CP2100 will enable users to extend corporate enterprise management systems to vehicles and mobile computing devices. Now, vehicle manufacturers, application developers and corporate IT departments can easily network software and hardware applications, and cost-effectively connect a wide range of vehicles to their networks, including Extranets, Intranets and Internet sites. The new CP2100 eliminates a major obstacle currently facing Telematics, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and mobile Infotainment systems -- that of integrating various data management functions within the vehicle and linking them with a centralized application via wireless communication networks. CellPort offers the first commercial product designed specifically to manage the growing list of in-vehicle networks, including IDB, CAN, USB and more. The CP2100 is also a universal gateway for real-time wireless data communication, extending the Internet Protocol (IP) over wireless networks to the vehicle. Using the CP2100, application designers can seamlessly integrate enterprise software solutions or any other Internet accessible resource to vehicles around the world. CellPort's new product enables the various data networks and electronic devices within a vehicle to function as a node on the Internet. "With the growth of Internet-based systems, coupled with current and developing wireless IP networks, the CP2100 provides the network 'plumbing' needed to deploy multiple applications within the vehicle environment," says Pat Kennedy, CEO of CellPort. "Our customers realize the complexity of melding protocol conversion, applications networking and wireless capabilities into a single product and they welcome CellPort's commitment to solve that problem with the CP2100." "GTE developed the WIN(4) network to meet the growing demand for commercial wireless data communications. We expect vehicle-based mobile data systems to be a driving force as companies worldwide develop programs for everything from fleet management to Infotainment," says Larry Simmons, manager, WIN(4) distribution, GTE Wireless. "Enabling technologies, like CellPort's CP2100, further encourage the rapid deployment of telematics applications and help transform exciting concepts into working solutions." THE CP2100 IN USE Customers for the CP2100 can vary, from vehicle manufacturers and Telematics suppliers to application platform developers. Currently, CellPort is working with several partners to integrate the CP2100 into practical solutions. In most cases, partners are looking for a server solution that can collect and manage data to/from a vehicle, then transmit the data real-time via a wireless network. Markets for the CP2100 include tracking and monitoring of fleet vehicles, operation of agricultural machinery and heavy equipment, railroads, vehicle road testing, military operations and in-vehicle information/entertainment systems. As a participant in the IDB Demonstration Program that recently won ITS America's 1999 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Intelligent Vehicles, CellPort provided connectivity to the Internet for many IDB-based vehicle systems on three IDB demonstration vehicles. "Wireless connectivity and protocol conversion are key ingredients for the successful implementation of advanced Telematics systems and the development of Internet-based systems within the vehicle," says Allan Kirson, Chair, SAE IDB Committee. "CellPort's technology proved invaluable in linking the wide range of IDB-based systems and applications in our three demonstration vehicles to fixed networks via wireless links." CP2100 TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION The CP2100 integrates several technical capabilities, identified by CellPort through customer feedback and market research, required to turn vehicles into nodes on networks via wireless communications. The technical features of the CP2100 include protocol conversion for a variety of vehicle buses and devices, wireless gateway communications independent of wireless links, and embedded application router management capabilities. The CP2100 architecture allows vehicle networks and RF links to be separated by a controller/gateway, providing a software application layer between the airlink and the vehicle. This allows telemetry, data collection, two-way communication, as well as a command and control interface to be created independent of the wireless data link. Application software can be developed to poll, filter, collect, process and store data collected from the vehicular network. Some examples of vehicular data sources are Class II native networks, transponders, sensors, timers, engine control computers, GPS receivers, and operator data terminals. Data from the host can be sent to the vehicle to communicate with the operator, provide GPS information, run diagnostic routines, reconfigure data collection routines, download code and run executable software. Fitted within the vehicle, the CP2100 provides network controller and server capabilities based on an integrated PowerPC 823 embedded computing system. It operates using the QSSL Neutrino operating system and I/O subsystem, to support RS232, Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectivity. Java platform integration is also managed via third party tools. The CP2100 supports a variety of emerging vehicle bus interfaces, including IDB, J1708, J1850, CAN and ODBII. Wireless airlink capabilities include cellular, spread spectrum radio, satellite and private radio. In addition to standard internal power and autonomous control features, an optional battery backup power system is available to provide continued service during emergency or vehicle downtime. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY The CP2100 is available immediately directly from CellPort and pricing starts at $995. Quantity pricing is also available. For more information contact Tom Curray at (303) 541-0722, email the company at info@cellport.com, or visit the company Web site at http://www.cellport.com. ABOUT CELLPORT LABS CellPort Labs, Inc. is a Boulder, Colo.-based company that develops and markets mobile, wireless connectivity products for cellular phones, Telematics, Intelligent Transport Systems and mobile Infotainment systems. The company provides technical solutions for voice applications through its Hands-Free Connectivity System. For vehicle-based data network and wireless connectivity, the company's CP2100 represents the industry's first off-the-shelf product to provide an open technical architecture that combines server, router and wireless gateway functionality. CellPort has received investments from AT&T Wireless and the Flanders Language Valley Fund, and is a member of the IDB Forum and Telematics Supplier Consortium. The company has provided technical solutions for organizations like DaimlerChrysler, US Army, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. For more information about CellPort and its products, call (303) 541-0722, email the company at info@cellport.com or visit the CellPort's Web site is http://www.cellport.com.