Digi International
May 18, 2016
Smart City technologies are emerging to support safety, efficiency, traffic management and more. In this discussion, we look at how cellular technology to run smarter.
In a recent webinar, one of Digi's cellular product managers shared real-world examples of 4G LTE in infrastructure applications, along with the challenges and questions that need to be answered.
The following Q&A covers the questions that we didn't have time to answer live. Visit the Smart Cities section of the Digi website to learn more about how Digi enables smart city infrastructure enhancements, smart traffic management and more.
What accelerated lifecycle testing have you performed on the Digi WR31 and are you able to share your results?
Specific test results are shared on a business case basis and only under NDA, but we can share that the WR31 was subjected to a Highly Accelerated Life Test (HALT) in line with our standard testing. This testing is divided into three sections: temperature, vibration and a combination of vibration and temperature.
In each section, the Unit Under Test (UUT) is tested at the operational limit, the functional limit, and the destructive limit (if applicable). For the WR31, the functional limit was above the operating limit, meaning it functioned above and beyond the threshold we expected it to.
Who does the integration with energy meters / HVAC controllers ? Does Digi do that type of integration or is it some system integrators who are Digi partners who are responsible for integration?
Both options are available, depending on the customer and the goals. In cases where, for example, an OEM wants to add cellular connectivity to their offer, Digi and its partner would work directly with the OEM. In cases where the customer is an end user, for example an city or state department, Digi would work with a system integrator or value added reseller to deliver the final solution.
Can you please share how the Garbage Collection and Emailing System was implemented?
This was done by Digi's Wireless Design Services group. More details and a video can be found here.
Does the WR31 product have the relevant Australian compliance e.g. C-Tick, A-Tick?
Yes.
Are there plans to support LTE 700 Mhz Band 28 in future?
Yes, stay tuned for details.
Rather than offer a device management application for us to use, does Digi offer a managed service for its product set?
Digi has implemented bespoke managed services programs for customers, but it is more common for us to partner with 3rd party managed services companies.
Does the WR31 support DNP3/IP?
Yes, the Digi industrial cellular router line supports DNP3.
Does the WR31 has an LTE to NextG fallback?
Yes, the WR31 offers LTE with fallback to Telstra's NextG (i.e. 850 MHz) network.
Do you have an example of an application in France?
We have many, many customer and applications in France. Please contact your Digi rep or Digi partner for details. Or reach out to us from our Contact Us page.
Digi WR31 is a nice product, but how to beat the competition having this form factor in the market for many years. E.g. Welotec, Moxa, etc.
"How to beat" questions are a bit tough to answer in the abstract, but you can discuss specifics with your Digi rep or partner. Nor now, let's focus on positioning the WR31 where it will have clear advantages. The WR31 is the best fit in applications that DO NEED: LTE, strong price/performance (i.e. affordable), Modbus/DNP3 bridging, and advanced security and routing (VPN, authentication, encryption, etc, and DON'T NEED vendor-specific object libraries or Modbus/DNP3 translation.
Is there a version that supports Digi XBee®?
No, currently there are no versions of the WR31 with an XBee radio, although that is an interesting concept, and worth discussing further with your Digi rep or partner.
Is it possible for the hardware to move from Cellular communications to a Wi-Fi network and use this to communicate until Wi-Fi becomes available, and if so what product fits best?
The Digi WR44 supports Wi-Fi and 4G/4G LTE comms and is used in this kind of least cost routing scenario.
Digi cellular routers are very often used as failover from wired connections, and more and more as the primary connection. They are ideal for both purposes. Again, be sure to contact your Digi rep or supplier, or reach out using our Contact us page.
What is different in terms of speed in WR21 and WR31?
The WR21 and WR31 share the same WWAN radio and processor architecture; there is no material performance difference between the two.
Digi continues to build out product lines supporting IT infrastructure management, business continuity, traffic and transit systems and industrial applications.
Contact us to start the conversation.