Device Profile: Bluegiga Wrap bluetooth bridge

By Linux Devices
2004-03-17

Article Rating:

/ 0

Rate This Article:

Add This Article To:

The Wrap Multiradio Access Server from Bluegiga Technologies is a Linux based network bridge that connects bluetooth-enabled devices such as smartphones with GPRS networks and IP networks such as VoIP (voice over IP), corporate intranets, and/or the Internet. Three integrated bluetooth modules support connections from up to 21 devices.

An open, Linux-based embedded operating system enables flexible implementation and user development, according to Bluegiga.

The Wrap "Multi-Radio Access Point" includes three bluetooth radios

According to Bluegiga, a market opportunity exists for devices enabling smartphones to be used as VoIP (voice over IP) terminals. Additional market targets include remote wireless monitoring of medical patient condition, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication.

M2M involves the use of Bluetooth technology in remote monitoring and industrial control. For example, one use of M2M might involve an engineer troubleshooting equipment in a remote location, or even in another country, according to Bluegiga.

In addition to "transparent" routing between bluetooth and other networks, Wrap can host applications locally, and provides an extensible, open, Linux-based development platform, Bluegiga says.

What's inside?

The Wrap measures 5.1 x 3.1 x 1.4 inches (130 x 80 x 35 mm), and weighs just 16 ounces (450 grams). It is based on an AT91RM9200 running at 180MHz, boots from 16MB of Flash memory, and is equipped with 32MB of RAM.

The WRAP's embedded computer

Wrap's interfaces include USB host, Ethernet, digital I/O, CompactFlash, and RS232.

Rear view of the Wrap, showing its I/O connectors

Software side

The Wrap runs a Linux-based OS that Bluegiga implemented in-house, starting with a 2.4.21-rmk1 Linux kernel. It runs a number of open source programs besides Linux, including busybox, a webserver, ftp server, ssh server/client, firewall, CF card services, bluetooth, installpoint, and remote management services.

Product Manager Leif Karlsson says Bluegiga chose Linux because of its excellent track record on networking devices, and because Bluegiga had a lot of in-house Linux competence. And, "the possibility to customize it was a great benefit."

According to Karlsson, the biggest challenge was working with some Linux device drivers that proved not to be mature enough for production use. "Quite a lot of implementation and debug time can be wasted on half ready pieces of software," Karlsson notes.

Karlsson predicts that Linux "will surely strengthen its position" in the embedded market as a whole. "But, I think other OSes will offer a tough competition on the longer run," he adds.

Related Stories:

Linux-based gateways, servers, & wireless access points

	Discuss Device Profile: Bluegiga Wrap bluetooth bridge

	>>> Be the FIRST to comment on this article!



	>>> More Linux For Devices Articles Articles >>> More By Linux Devices

Email Article To Friend ♦ Print Version Of Article ♦ PDF Version Of Article

FUEL Database on MontaVista Linux
Whether building a mobile handset, a car navigation system, a package tracking device, or a home entertainment console, developers need capable software systems, including an operating system, development tools, and supporting libraries, to gain maximum benefit from their hardware platform and to meet aggressive time-to-market goals.

Breaking New Ground: The Evolution of Linux Clustering
With a platform comprising a complete Linux distribution, enhanced for clustering, and tailored for HPC, Penguin Computing¿s Scyld Software provides the building blocks for organizations from enterprises to workgroups to deploy, manage, and maintain Linux clusters, regardless of their size.

Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
Unlike ordinary debuggers, NightStar LX doesn¿t leave you stranded in the dark. It¿s more than just a debugger, it¿s a whole suite of integrated diagnostic tools designed for time-critical Linux applications to reduce test time, increase productivity and lower costs. You can debug, monitor, analyze and tune with minimal intrusion, so you see real execution behavior. And that¿s positively illuminating.

Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
This white paper discusses a high-availability messaging solution relying on the AXIGEN Mail Server, Heartbeat and DRBD. Solution architecture and implementation, as well as benefits of using AXIGEN for this setup are all presented in detail.

Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
Will open source pay off? Open source is becoming standard within enterprises, often because of cost savings. Find out how much of a financial impact it can have on your organization. Get this methodology and calculator now, compliments of JBoss.

Embedded Hardware and OS Technology Empower PC-Based Platforms
The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.