Internet connectivity: The time is right and the technology is ready for you
By Olaf Pfeiffer and John Rodrigues
Embedded Networking and Internetworking implementations
are on the rise.
This article looks at various aspects of implementing Internet functionality
in 8-bit microconrollers, including a case study on a CAN to TCP/IP gateway.
First published in EE Times, May 21st 2001. View original article.
[ Introduction | Internet
Connectivity Parameters | Case
Study ]
[ Adapting
the Software | Dynamic Web Pages
| Feedback with Forms ]
[ Continuous Refresh | Security
| Summary ]
Introduction
Embedded Networking and Internetworking implementations are on the rise. However, anecdotal evidence from engineers gathered at trade shows and seminars across the country indicates that the embedded industry is still in the exploration stage: everybody knows that they eventually need to have some type of Internet connectivity on their embedded devices, but it's really not a priority. And yet, decisions to add Internetworking capability now may eliminate the need for costly redesign in the near future.
If an embedded system already has access to a PC of some sort (either directly connected to one or maybe using an embedded PC within), providing Internet access is not really a challenge. Commercially available software and protocol stacks can greatly help to reduce development time and speed integration of the involved network technology, even for tiny 8-bit devices. The greatest hurdle for Embedded Internetworking today is not the technology itself but predicting its usage in the future.
This article will explore some of the variables involved in adding Internet connectivity to an 8-bit device, discuss current developments in the field of Embedded Internetworking, and offer an application example to provide a closer look into one possible route for Internet enabling embedded devices based on the implementation of a TCP/IP to CANopen (Controller Area Network) gateway.
[ Introduction | Internet
Connectivity Parameters | Case
Study ]
[ Adapting
the Software | Dynamic Web Pages
| Feedback with Forms ]
[ Continuous Refresh | Security
| Summary ]
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