u-blox introduces targets industrial market with secure Wi-Fi modules

u-blox has launched two Wi-Fi modules for industrial markets - the NINA-W131 and NINA‑W132 are ultra low power Wi-Fi modules that can support 802.11 b/g/n in the 2.4GHz ISM band.

Theses devices are the first two variants of the new NINA-W1 module series and have been developed with the focus on security and quick time-to-market. The NINA-W1 stand-alone modules has been designed to make Wi-Fi integration easy and their secure design makes them suitable for Wi-Fi applications including telematics, low power sensors, connected buildings (appliances, surveillance etc.), point-of-sales, and health devices.

"A major challenge in today’s IoT applications is security," explained Pelle Svensson, Market Development Manager, Product Center Short Range Radio at u-blox. "With NINA-W131 and NINA-W132, we are giving product developers ready-to-use modules with extra security focus, antenna options, pre-flashed connectivity software and a range of country certifications; all to efficiently integrate Wi-Fi connectivity into IoT devices."

The NINA-W1 modules provide enhanced security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module only boots up with original u-blox software. In addition, they provide end-to-end security on the wireless link with the latest 802.11i (WPA2) standard and enterprise security to provide a secure connection to the infrastructure.

Device design is simplified as developers can choose to either use an external antenna (NINA-W131) or take advantage of the internal antenna (NINA-W132). Furthermore, the NINA-W1 modules are pin compatible with the NINA-B1 Bluetooth low energy modules, thus offering maximum flexibility for devices that are to offer multiple radio technologies. As with all u-blox short range radio modules, the NINA-W1 modules will be globally certified.

NINA-W131 and NINA-W132 are the first Wi-Fi modules in the NINA-W1 module series. The NINA-W1 series will be expanded to include variants with Open CPU, Bluetooth connectivity, and additional hardware interfaces (RMII, CAN, SDIO, etc.).