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Embedded web servers provide a convenient way to monitor and control remote systems.
Using a network connection, an embedded server has the ability to create or participate in a fully interactive session with a device or PC in a remote location. This enables the embedded server to not only interact with its local environment on a pre determined set of rules, but to also change its behavior based on data passed to it over the network connection.
A network connection can be established through a number of means.
1) HTTP: Using a common web browser, data can be made available to any user with a network connection. This gives the end product an interactive look and feel through use of a common web browser. Coupling this embedded control with web serving functionality truly bridges the gap between the embedded environment and the network world.
2) TCP/IP, UDP/IP: Using TCP or UDP, straight forward socket communication can be used to pass data between remote sites. Simply establish a connection and place data into a buffer. Receive data is read from an input buffer at which time the embedded server can interpret the data and change its interaction with the embedded environment.
3) PPP: Gives a module dial up connection support. This provides all the functionality found in TCP and UDP over a phone line.
4) SMTP/POP3: Mail support enables a remote server to send an e-mail based on a pre defined set of rules. This could be to send an alarm, or an asynchronous way to pass data.
5) Telnet: Allows an administrator to log in to the NetBurner device from a remote location. Enables remote login, retrieve data, and perform a wide variety of functions.
6) FTP/TFTP: Using file transfer protocol a remote unit can efficiently transfer a large file of data with little interaction over head.
Protecting collected data can be as important as the data itself. User access can be limited by implementing password protection. Though password protection provides access protection, it does not protect the data as it is being transferred over the network. To maintain a high level of privacy, data can be further protected by using encryption technology. All NetBurner devices support SSL client applications using MD5 or SHA-1. This ensures the data being transferred is only available to authorized users.
The NetBurner MOD series has been specifically developed to fill the roll of both an embedded web server and embedded processor. All NetBurner modules are based on the high performance 32 bit Freescale Semiconductor Coldfire processor family. This family of processors offers a rich set of internal peripherals including I2C, SPI, Timers, GPIO, and an external data bus. These peripherals enable the module to be integrated into a fully custom design as the central processor for an end product.
Efficient use of processor resources can have a dramatic effect on over all system performance. If not allocated correctly, processor resources can become stained trying to keep up with the demands of a network connection and a real time embedded environment. To bridge the gap between the intermittent demands of the network world and the continuous demand of the embedded environment, every NetBurner module is supplied with a fully pre-emptive real time operating system. Using the Real Time OS, a designer can control the priority of both network and embedded tasks. This ensures critical routines are free to run when they are required. With the TCP/IP stack and web services tightly integrated into the RTOS, a NetBurner module can control and interact with a real time embedded environment while maintaining a coherent network connection in the back ground.
Serial interfaces in the form of I2C and SPI ease the connection of the module to a wide range of external devices. Add level translation and a full featured serial interface can be implemented using the integrated UART.
To satisfy applications requiring custom bit level read and write control, every NetBurner module features GPIO. Using these general purpose interface pins, a designer can interface to almost any component.
All modules have general purpose I/O and external data bus giving the designer a choice of what and how peripherals are best suited for the end application.
All mod Series modules are footprint and API compatible, enabling migration with minimal impact on the mother board hardware design. The Coldfire processor I/O, are routed directly from the processor to the module I/O pins.
NetBurner Inc. provides embedded developers with comprehensive and flexible hardware, software and tools, which enable you to bring your network-enabled product to market in the shortest possible time. Proven in a wide range of products and applications, the NetBurner complete solution will appeal to seasoned developers as well as those designing their first network product.
NetBurner Embedded Ethernet Core Modules and Serial-to-Ethernet converters provide full featured embedded web server capability in a compact package. These devices are all based on the high performance 32-bit Coldfire processor fulfilling the requirements of the most demanding applications.