CalAmp Corp. has added Wi-Fi connectivity to its Dataradio CiPHR IP Router, a rugged wireless communications and networking platform for fixed and mobile data applications over 3G cellular networks. The Oxnard, Calif.-based company said CiPHR provides wireless data communications in demanding operating environments for first responders, public safety agencies, utilities, and oil and gas companies.
CiPHR comes in two models that support either global EV-DO and HSPA cellular networks and is backward compatible to corresponding 2G cellular wireless technologies. In Canada, it has Industry Canada certification and is approved by Bell Canada. [Two days after this note was published it was learned that on April 2 certification was added for Rogers Communications' network.] Adding industry standard Wi-Fi capability to CiPHR’s TCP/IP communication protocols provides hotspot-like local area access for portable wireless devices and supports connections to Wi-Fi enabled devices commonly used by first responders or the mobile workforce. In addition to the Wi-Fi capability, CiPHR has a 16 channel GPS receiver that provides route planning support for fleet management as well as automatic vehicle location (AVL) and tracking applications. CiPHR has been developed to also support multi-network data routing, thereby enabling interoperability between Dataradio wide area systems and fixed broadband infrastructure. The platform incorporates user friendly configuration software and works with most TCP/IP applications.