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.

 
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