MERIGNAC, FRANCE: eDevice has recently launched the BridgeD130, a PSTN2GPRS converter that connects wired modems to wireless networks.

This unique product allows customers to switch from PSTN to GPRS without any changes in their infrastructure, hence, creating a great opportunity for wireless carriers to invest in the M2M market (Machine-to-Machine).
 
With the launch of this innovative product from eDevice, devices previously plugged on the wired phone network can benefit from the flexibility, mobility and the interesting rates of the GSM/GPRS networks. This solution saves the cost on an unaffordable or even unavailable GPRS upgrade of the existing device therefore extending the lifetime of expensive technological assets.
 
Wireless carriers can now conquer market share previously reserved for land-line connectivity. Handset-like business models with monthly fee can be successfully applied by cellular carriers for device connectivity. 
 
Changing to GPRS allows one to benefit from a larger cellular coverage area, better mobility and adapted GPRS rates compared to the PSTN monthly subscription. It also simplifies installation and the billing process and enables convenient incoming call support. This switch to GPRS also improves the central servers where the modems rack is replaced by high bandwidth internet links.
 
The BridgeD130 solution has been designed to enable network functioning without the need for wired subscription or changes in the main device and central server. The cable connected to the wall socket just needs to be plugged in to the BridgeD130 phone interface while an eDevice software component can be installed on the remote central server to enable TCP/IP support.
 
The devices connected to the PSTN/POTS network link up to the BridgeD130 as it emulates the analog phone network with a FXS (Foreign eXchange Station) interface. The BridgeD130 not only generates ring and dial tones and power but also extracts the data from the modem flow and transfers it over the GPRS link. 

This M2M terminal is based on the award-winning eDevice TCP/IP, which includes a Web server and remote firmware upgrade support. The BridgeD130 integrates a quad-band GSM/GPRS module and can be battery powered.