Opengear announced three new UCLinux-based remote management device servers, focusing on industrial applications. In addition to the general-purpose, $475 ACM5004-2-I server, there's a telecom-oriented ACM5004-2-I-SDC version with a 48V DC power supply, plus an extended-temperature ACM5004-2-T aimed at utility networks, the company says.

The three new ACM5004 servers follow on the similarly Linux-based ACM5004-G serial device server announced in March, which was claimed to be the first to offer remote monitoring over 3G cellular network devices. (The ACM5004-G is equipped with four serial ports, an Ethernet port, and a USB port, and supports EDGE, GPRS, GSM, HSDA and HSUPA networks.)

ACM5004-2-I
(Click to enlarge)

Measuring 4.0 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches (10.2 x 8.8 x 2.8cm), the new Opengear ACM5004-2-I device servers provide secure monitoring and control for IT infrastructure and edge devices in remote locations, says Opengear. Applications are said to include telecommunications, transportation, oil and gas, utilities, ATM, kiosks, and M2M.

All three servers are built around an ARM9-based Micrel KSZ8692 processor clocked at 250MHz, says the company. Each server is further equipped with 32MB of DDR RAM, 16MB embedded flash, plus an optional  USB  flash drive for custom UCLinux code and logs.

Dual 10/100 Ethernet ports are supplied, as well as four software-selectable RS232/422/485 serial ports with Cisco RJ-45 pinout compatibility and DB9 and DB25 adapters, says Opengear. Dual USB 2.0 ports are also said to be provided, supporting 3G cellular, 802.11 wireless, and V.92 modem options.

The ACM5004-2-I offers two digital TTL-level (5V max) I/O ports and two "high-voltage" (>5V to <= 30V) digital output ports, available "for interfacing to relays, solenoids, lamps, valves, sirens, keypads, and contacts," says the company. Other common features are said to include rugged metal enclosures and captive power terminal blocks.

Opengear ACM5004-2-I, rear view
(Click to enlarge)

The key differences between the three models lie in their power supplies:

• ACM5004-2-I — This standard, $475 unit is designed for industrial networks, including retail, banking, kiosk, and gaming environments. The 2-I model ships with an external AC power supply, and is said to consume less than six Watts of power.
• ACM5004-2-I-SDC — The $535 SDC model comes with special serial port software designed for telecommunications networks, and ships with a -48V DC power supply.
• ACM5004-2-T — Designed for use in utility networks, as well as pipelines and other remote locations requiring a temperature-resistant solution, the $575 2-T model offers an extended temperature range of -31 to 165 deg. F (-35 to 74 deg. C), and is equipped with external AC power supply.

Major features and benefits of Opengear's ACM5004-2-I servers are said to include:

• Power control — Embedded network UPS tools securely monitor and manage distributed UPS hardware.
• Security — Secure VPN connections include IPSec, FIPS 140-2 SSL, and OpenVPN support, plus secure remote access by 3G GSM connections; secure IP sessions are automatically initiated from firewalled networks to central management systems.
• Environmental monitoring — Integrated remote environmental monitoring includes ambient temperature and humidity.
• Programmability — An open source UCLinux platform allows for easy, customizable Bash scripting.
• SNMP — SNMP support and integration with leading corporate network management systems.

Specifications listed for the ACM5004-2-I include:

• Processor Micrel KSZ8692 (ARM9) clocked at 250MHz
• Memory:
  • 32MB DDR RAM
  • 16MB embedded flash
  • Optional USB flash for user code
• Networking — 2 x RJ-45 10/100 Ethernet ports
• Other I/O:
  • 4 x software selectable RS232/422/485 serial ports (Cisco-compatible RJ-45 pinout)
  • 2 x external USB 2.0 expansion connectors
  • 2 x TTL-level digital I/O ports; 5V max @ 20mA; contacts for external water/smoke/motion sensors
  • 2 x high-voltage digital output ports (>5V to <= [email protected] 100 mA)
• Power:
  • ACM5004-2-I — 110-240V AC to 12V DC adapter or external power from +9V to 30 VDC or 9V to 24 VAC; less than 6 W consumption
  • ACM5004-2-I-SDC — 36-72V DC to 12V DC external converter; 110-240V AC external adapter supplied
  • ACM5004-2-T — external source +9V to 30 VDC or 9V to 24 VAC; 110-240V AC external adapter supplied (for up to 50 deg. C only)
• Dimensions — 4.0 x 3.5 x 1.1 inches (10.2 x 8.8 x 2.8cm)
• Operating temperature:
  ACM5004-2-I — 41 to 122 deg. F (5 to 50 deg. C)
  • ACM5004-2-I-SDC — 41 to 122 deg. F (5 to 50 deg. C)
  • ACM5004-2-T — -31 to 165 deg. F (-35 to 74 deg. C)
• Operating system — UCLinux with source code access; custom development kit (CDK)

For more background on Opengear and its various Linux-based console servers, gateways, and device servers, please see our earlier coverage of the ACM5004-G, here.

Availability

The new Opengear remote device servers are available now for the following prices: ACM5004-2-I $475; ACM5004-2-I-SDC $535; ACM5004-2-T $575. More information may be found here.

---

This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.