Quatech Provides OEMs with Cost-Effective, Low Power Embedded Wi-Fi Solution

Quatech, Inc., a division of DPAC Technologies (OTCQB: DPAC) and a leader in wireless machine-to-machine (M2M) networking solutions, is now shipping the WLNG-xx-DP551 series of Airborne 802.11 embedded wireless device server and Ethernet bridge modules. This advanced line of single-board, compact modules provides a simple, cost-effective solution for OEMs to easily Wi-Fi enable devices used in an array of machine-to-machine (M2M) applications.

The WLNG-xx-DP551 series delivers the industry’s most rugged, highly-integrated, embedded Wi-Fi module solution. This compact, single-board package contains all of the necessary RF technology, networking stacks and advanced security features for OEMs to easily integrate embedded Wi-Fi into their product designs. OEMs can also choose to incorporate both transmit and receive diversity in their designs by utilizing the two U.FL antenna connectors on the modules. Airborne modules provide extended operating temperature range capability (-40°C to +85°C) and meet shock/vibration specifications of the most demanding M2M applications. The new Airborne modules have superior range performance—increased transmit power and receive sensitivity due to the utilization of a 32bit ARM9 processor and high-performance Atheros AR6002 802.11 radio.

"We are excited to now be shipping the WLNG-xx-DP551 series of modules, continuing Quatech’s technology leadership in the 802.11 segment of the machine-to-machine market,” stated Steve Runkel, Quatech President and CEO. "Our continued commitment to provide cutting edge technology, features and functions at both a hardware and software level provides Quatech customers with the confidence of knowing that we will continue to deliver products that meet the most challenging networking requirements with solutions that future-proof their product designs.”

Two stand-out features of the new Airborne line are its SpeedLink roaming and PowerSave firmware. The new Airborne SpeedLink roaming feature provides enhanced connection reliability, enabling OEM devices to roam freely within a wireless network without loss of data or connection. Airborne PowerSave firmware enables OEMs to maximize efficiency and reduce power consumption by as much as 70%. The PowerSave capability is especially critical for battery-powered mobile devices.

Airborne incorporates support for both serial to Wi-Fi and Ethernet to Wi-Fi communications. Utilizing Airborne’s PortFlex capability with the wireless device server modules (WLNG-AN-DP551, WLNG-SE-DP551 and WLNG-SP-DP551), OEMs may configure, via software, any combination of serial/UART, SPI, Ethernet, GPIO and 802.11 interfaces. Each individual port can be independently configured.

Quatech also delivers the most advanced 802.11 solution for Ethernet clients. The Airborne Ethernet bridge modules (WLNG-ET-DP551) are fully functional NAT Level 3 routers, supporting a public IP address for the wireless interface and a private network for the attached devices on the wired interface. With NAT3, the router integrates with your existing Ethernet devices, supporting 10/100 Ethernet, DHCP and static IP addressing, allowing a quick connection to the most advanced Enterprise class networks without changing your platform.

The WLNG-xx-DP551 modules are footprint and pin-compatible with their predecessors, following Quatech’s commitment to maintaining hardware and software compatibility to assure OEMs of a simple, future-proof migration path even as wireless technology evolves.

Quatech’s multi-layered security approach addresses the requirements of Enterprise-class networks and corporate IT departments. These advanced security features include wireless security (802.11i/WPA2 Enterprise); network security (EAP authentication and certificate support); built-in firewalls on the Ethernet and WLAN interfaces; secure communications (built-in SSH functionality and fully encrypted data tunnels for secure management and data transfer); and device security (multi-level encryption capability to protect sensitive device configuration data).

A unique Airborne security feature is the onboard delivery of certificates to the module and management of all authentication processes without requiring interaction from the host. This substantially reduces the resource requirements for OEMs whose devices operate in Enterprise-class wireless.

The Quatech Airborne Management Center (AMC) brings Enterprise class device discovery, management and control to the world of M2M wireless devices. This advanced device management application enables single-click maintenance. AMC is an application that supports individual and group management of all aspects of the devices—firmware updating, configuration management, access management (passwords), virtual COM port installation and more.

Virtual COM (VCOM) port drivers can be installed with one click, enabling the use of legacy software to communicate with networked devices seamlessly through standard COM port addresses in the system’s device manager. Quatech’s VCOM driver takes care of routing communication ports to the networked serial devices.

Quatech’s AMC software is included with all external Airborne Industrial and Enterprise Class 802.11 serial device servers, Ethernet bridges and embedded modules. The external Industrial and Enterprise class product families provide the industry’s most advanced security features. The multi-layered security approach addresses the requirements of Enterprise-class networks and corporate IT departments. These advanced security features include wireless security (802.11i / WPA2 Enterprise); network security (EAP authentication and certificate support); built-in firewalls on the Ethernet and WLAN interfaces; secure communications (built-in SSH functionality and fully encrypted data tunnels for secure management and data transfer); and device security (multi-level encryption capability to protect sensitive device configuration data).

For sales, ordering or additional information on the WLNG-xx-DP551 Airborne 802.11b/g embedded wireless device server and Ethernet bridge modules, please visit www.quatech.com.

About Quatech, Inc.

Quatech delivers high performance device networking and connectivity solutions to help companies improve their bottom line results. Its products enable reliable machine-to-machine (M2M) communications via secure 802.11 wireless or traditional wired networks, with industrial-grade embedded radios, modules, boards and external device servers, and bridges. For local and mobile connections, Quatech’s serial adapters provide secure connectivity and port expansion via any interface option.

Satisfied customers worldwide rely on Quatech’s unique combination of performance and support to improve operations through real-time remote monitoring and control, streamlined systems, and lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). Quatech markets its products through a global network of distributors, resellers, systems integrators and original equipment manufacturers in the transportation, instrumentation and industrial control, homeland security, medical equipment, and logistics markets. Founded in 1983, Quatech is headquartered in Hudson, Ohio. Quatech merged with DPAC Technologies (OTCQB: DPAC) in February 2006. Information concerning DPAC is filed by DPAC with the SEC and is available on the SEC website, www.sec.gov. To learn more about Quatech’s complete line of device networking and connectivity solutions, visit www.quatech.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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