Partnership to Provide DoD-Proven, Secure Wireless Ethernet for Industrial Applications

Business Wire, Oct 5, 2004

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- During the ISA Expo 2004 Automation Control Conference, 3e Technologies International (3eTI) with OMNEX Control Systems Inc. and Phoenix Contact announced their agreement to develop secure wireless products for Phoenix Contact's Interface and Ethernet products. The IEEE 802.11b/g wireless Ethernet products will utilize the FIPS 140-2 Validated(TM) encryption technology developed by 3eTI and certified for U.S. Government use. The new product provides a cost-saving solution which reduces installation labor costs, eliminates the need for conduit and wires in hazardous or other industrial locations, and extends network access.

This partnership will expand OMNEX Controls' Trusted Wireless product line, which Phoenix Contact is selling, by incorporating 3eTI's FIPS 140-2 certified crypto modules - the same encryption being deployed by the U.S. Military. The Trusted Wireless products will provide secure wireless communications for process control signals in Ethernet cable replacement applications.

3eTI's FIPS 140-2 crypto modules employ 128/192/256 bit AES encryption and dynamic key management that will deliver robust security to potential applications in the utilities, auto manufacturing, petrol-chemical, food processing, etc. industries. The 802.11b/g wireless products have in-plant of ranges in excess of 1,000 feet, and 2,000 feet range outdoors. They deliver a fully encrypted (256 bit AES) data rate of up to 9.5 Mbps and are DIN-rail mountable to interoperate with existing Phoenix Contact Interface and Ethernet products. 3eTI has deployed the technologies to DoD applications such as shipboard and facility machinery monitoring.

"Industrial wireless networking is rapidly expanding," commented Mark Stevens, VP Marketing for Phoenix Contact. "With this new product, customers are ensured DoD-proven wireless protection and we expect broad interest in this solution which also provides remote access and high throughput networking. It's an invaluable addition to our product portfolio."

Under the agreement, 3eTI's wireless technology will be used to provide secure IEEE 802.11b/g wireless communications for Phoenix's expanded distribution of its industrial Ethernet products. Products for Ethernet cable replacement and ruggedized wireless Ethernet with FIPS 140-2 certifications will be provided to the U.S. Government by 3eTI.

Live demonstrations of the wireless encryption/secure wireless Ethernet solutions will take place at ISA Expo 2004 (Oct. 5-7, Houston TX) on Phoenix Contact's booth (#2216) and 3e Technologies International's booth (#1707). Representatives will be on hand to discuss real world, secure wireless industrial applications.

About 3e Technologies International

3eTI is a wireless infrastructure and secure solutions provider for WLANs, wireless condition monitoring and context-aware telematics applications to the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies. It is involved in standard bodies such as IEEE 802.11x, IEEE 1451.5 Wireless Sensor Networks (Chair), Bluetooth (Chair of the Industrial Automation Subgroup), ZigBee, etc. 3eTI delivers wireless infrastructure networking options: DoD-proven security, mesh networking, ruggedized enclosures, harsh environments, extreme temperatures, wireless video, bridging, repeating, etc. For more info visit www.3eti.com or send email to info@3eti.com.

About OMNEX Control Systems Inc.

Established in 1986, OMNEX Control Systems is dedicated to the design, manufacture, and application of state-of-the-art Trusted Wireless products - robust radios used for control of mobile machines and wireless sensor connections in industrial & municipal applications. OMNEX is an ISO9001:2000 certified company. For more info visit www.omnexcontrols.com

About Phoenix Contact Inc.

Phoenix Contact is a world leader in the development and manufacture of specialized electronic components and connection systems. Phoenix Contact Inc., the U.S. subsidiary, was established in 1981 in Harrisburg, Pa. Phoenix Contact Inc. is an independent subsidiary of Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG of Blomberg, Germany, which operates subsidiaries around the globe and employs approximately 5,000 people. For more info visit www.phoenixcon.com.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. FIPS 140-2 Validated-TM: A Certification Mark of NIST, which does not imply product endorsement by NIST, the U.S. or Canadian Governments.