TCP IP modem tutorial - what is a TCP IP modem?
TCP IP modem tutorial to explain how remote equipment can communicate over GPRS and the Internet.
This TCP IP modem tutorial explains what a TCP IP modem is and how they are typically used for enabling remote equipment to communicate over GPRS and the Internet. They are often referred to as web-enabled modems, internet modems or IP modems, which are terms used throughout this tutorial.
Web-enabled modems are "black art" products, surrounded by complex compliance and regulatory issues
Comtech offer TCP IP modem products with the µWEB Lite family of wireless modems, which shows solution examples for vending, cold chain monitoring and electronic displays.
TCP IP modem tutorial - what is TCP/IP?
It is an open protocol or "common language", which enables 2 devices to communicate over a network.
- The Internet Protocol (IP) enables a device to set up a "connection" to a remote device using a unique address, ie IP address.
- Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) provides the "connection" between the devices.
TCP IP modem tutorial - what is a TCP/IP modem?
It is an M2M telemetry modem that integrates these protocols on-board in addition to the standard modem functions (as detailed in the modem tutorial).
They adapt the machine to communicate over various networks including GPRS and the Internet.
Any proprietary protocols within the remote machine can be transferred within the onboard Internet protocols.
TCP IP modem tutorial - do these modems integrate other protocols?
They often integrate protocols for supporting data transfer such as: -
- SMTP - a protocol for sending e-mails
- FTP - a protocol for transferring files
- HTTP - a protocol for communicating with Web Servers.
TCP IP modem tutorial - are TCP IP modems intelligent?
Intelligent modems are available which interface directly to I/O where the status of the I/O can be logged within an on-board data log memory or transferred via a TCP/IP connection such as : -
- When local alarm event is detected at the I/O
- On a time schedule basis
- When prompted from the network.
TCP IP modem tutorial - why use off-the-shelf web-enabled modems?
- Web-enabled modems provide remote access to machines in the field to eliminate unnecessary site visits and provide fast access to information in the machine.
- Since TCP/IP is the under lying protocol in which the Internet and GPRS networks operate, it provides simply the integration of with these networks.
- Web-enabled modems are "black art" products, surrounded by complex compliance and regulatory issues.
- Using these off-the-shelf solutions enables designers to focus on their core application strengths, and not be drawn into solving issues that are not related to core competency yielding potentially unreliable products.
TCP IP modem tutorial - typical use
- To enable any remote machine to communicate over the Internet or GPRS using standard data transfer means such as E-Mail, FTP, Sockets, Telnet, HTTP.
- To encapsulate and transport proprietary of industry specific protocols in an Open Standard Internet Protocol
- To provide a remote machine with an integrated Web Server, enabling it to be monitored and controlled in realtime using a standard web browser
TCP IP modem tutorial - serial command line interfacing
Web-enabled modems are AT-command compatible at the serial interface to the machine. This provides control of the modem for both standard modem features and the higher level Internet features.
- Driven and controlled by the remote machine processor using industry standard commands.
- Fast time to market
TCP IP Modem Tutorial Related Links
Products
Solutions
Tutorials
This TCP IP modem tutorial is provided to ease M2M adoption, other tutorials are available to understand M2M technology.
Further information beyond these tutorials can be found in our M2M Modems, M2M telemetry solutions and M2M telemetry products.
Please watch this space, Comtech will create further tutorial resources to ease M2M adoption.
