The eWON Flexy is an industrial M2M router that allows OEMs and system integrators to link remote devices in an environment where communication technologies are constantly changing (2G, 3G, 4G, WiFi,…) and to communicate universally with the most varied field equipment. With its concept of base modules that can contain up to four expansion boards, Flexy offers its end-users an almost unlimited number of possibilities: from a simple serial, MPI, or Profibus gateway to Ethernet, to the WiFi LAN router with redundancy via 3G modem.
The eWON Flexy gives the opportunity to replace legacy radio and dial-up infrastructure while keeping up with evolving communication technologies. By combining data collection and remote access the Flexy allows users to receive alerts, monitor data, and troubleshoot industrial sites with cost effective solutions.
Industry must cope with the constant and rapid development of communication technologies. A few years ago, the latest thing was 2G (GPRS), but now everybody talks about 3G or even 4G (LTE). Wireless technology is now also very widespread in industry. This non-stop evolution of technologies goes against the grain in an industrial world that is conservative by nature. “When a manufacturer approves and deploys a solution, it demands a continuity period of at least ten years,” says Serge Bassem, CEO of eWON.
eWON Flexy satisfies this need to upgrade communication technologies without the need to switch products. “The concept of flexibility is not new in industry. It is already widespread for PLCs, but this is a first for the router itself,” adds the CEO of eWON. This innovation will provide a response both to the challenge of connecting remote sites in an environment where communication technologies are constantly changing, and the need for universal communication with diverse field devices, no matter what protocol they use, such as PLCs, HMIs, IP cameras, energy meters, sensors, etc.
The new eWON Flexy router provides flexibility on several levels. Firstly, the WAN flexibility offers the user a choice of expansion boards to connect to the internet: LAN, RTC, WiFi, CDMA, 2G, 3G. Moreover, the FIELD flexibility, which affects the choice of basic module and expansion boards to connect to devices:four-port Ethernet switch, RS232/422/485 serial ports, MPI/ Profibus port. Finally, eWON Flexy offers applications that make it easy to provide added-value services, such as data logging and alarm notification.
“This flexibility highlights our great strength: compatibility. We work with many partners, each of which is developing its own type of PLC. That is why the connectivity of our routers to these API uses standard and open protocols, which already make connecting easier. Now, with Flexy, it will really be child’s play,” concludes Serge Bassem.
eWON is a Belgian manufacturer of industrial routers and the designer of Talk2M, an innovative cloud-based remote access service. Since 2001, eWON has become a leading player in the market for intelligent internet-based remote access routers, and works with manufacturers of PLCs and automation systems throughout the world.
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Filed Under: Ethernet — cables • hubs • switches, Wireless devices, Industrial computers, MOTION CONTROL, PLCs + PACs