Finland-based Bluegiga is shipping what it claims to be the smallest Bluetooth access point in the industry. Shipping with Linux development tools, the 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.2-inch Access Point 3201 (AP3201) connects Bluetooth devices with 3GSM/GPRS, Ethernet, WiFi, or a second Bluetooth network.

(Click for larger view of the Bluegiga AP3201)

The latest in a line of Linux-based Bluegiga wireless access servers dating back to the Wrap Multiradio Access Server, the AP3201 is designed for turn-key Bluetooth networking applications in healthcare, proximity marketing, point-of-sale, logistics, and audio applications, says Bluegiga. The device is built around Bluegiga's WT11 Bluetooth 2.0/2.1+EDR module, which offers a range of 150 to 200 meters, says the company.

The access point is based on an ARM9 processor clocked to 200MHz, and is equipped with 32MB RAM and 16MB flash. Connectivity includes an Ethernet port, as well as a USB 2.0 connection that is said to offer support for additional memory, plus support for dongle options that include 3GSM/GPRS, WiFi, or a second Bluetooth radio. The device is equipped with a 9-24V power supply.

Bluegiga AP3201

The AP3201 is available with either an integrated or external antenna, and an OEM version can be purchased without the housing. Bluegiga is also open to developing custom versions using different software parameters. In addition, developers can use Bluegiga's iWrap Bluetooth software platform and homegrown Linux distribution to adapt the device to any Bluetooth networking application, says the company. The AP3201 is also said to be compatible with the Bluegiga Solution Manager (BSM) software, which offers remote network management and configuration of Bluegiga's access points.

The AP3201 is said to support the following protocols:

• Bluetooth class 1, 2.1 + EDR compliant
• SPP, OBEX OPP, and OBEX Bluetooth profiles
• FTP, A2DP, PAN, LAN Access, and DI profiles
• Bluetooth compliance for CE, FCC, and Industry Canada

Availability

The Access Point 3201 (AP3201) is said to be available now, at an undisclosed price. More information may be found here.

 
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