Parvus Unveils First Cisco-Based Mobile IP Network Router Optimized for Bus and Rail Transit Applications

Business Wire, Sept 26, 2005

DALLAS -- Parvus AlphaMAR(TM) Mobile Access Router to Enable Wireless Internet Access, Streaming Video Surveillance, and Host of Other In-Vehicle Network Applications on Trains and Buses

Parvus Corp. today unveiled the AlphaMAR(TM), the first mobile Internet Protocol (IP) router specifically tailored to the needs of bus and rail transit authorities and suppliers. Being displayed at the APTA International Public Transportation Expo (booth no. 5348), Parvus' AlphaMAR leverages Cisco Systems' industry standard IOS(R) software and Mobile Access Router (MAR) technology to enable bus and train passengers and operators to explore a wide range of new in-vehicle networking applications, from wireless Internet access to streaming video surveillance and smart vehicle diagnostics/maintenance.

Designed to global industry standards for bus/rail/military grade electronics, the AlphaMAR integrates a highly robust power supply and hardened enclosure isolated against voltage spikes, transients and harsh environmental stresses (shock, vibe, humidity, EMI/EMC) experienced on board buses and trains. The unit's power supply also incorporates intelligent power management circuitry to prevent adverse power conditions from disabling the router.

Application flexibility is a key attribute of the AlphaMAR. The unit's compact chassis is conveniently designed for easy removal and upgrade, snapping into a mounting tray with spring-loaded dagger pins. The unit also integrates multiple Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) RJ-45 injector ports and Power with Serial (PwS) Connectors so that clean isolated power and signal are carried over a single standard Ethernet or serial cable. This eliminates the need for separate power cables or power supplies, while bringing new communications capabilities to legacy serial or Ethernet devices, such as event recorders, fare collection systems, or IP cameras.

To provide cellular modem, 802.11 Wi-Fi or other customer-specified functionality, companion "AlphaNODEs" are mounted remotely or on top of the base AlphaMAR unit. Since these nodes are external to the AlphaMAR chassis, they enable heat dissipation to be improved and RF signals to be strengthened (due to reduced analog antenna cable length), while providing a simplified upgrade path for future communications technologies. The first line of standard AlphaNODEs includes the choice of one or two Cisco WMIC cards (802.11 Wi-Fi); or one Wi-Fi card and one CMDA 1xRTT modem that supports Verizon and Sprint networks. As the AlphaNODEs are based on modular embedded PC/104 technology, a variety of other nodes can potentially be accommodated to meet varying customer requirements -- all without requiring any modification to the AlphaMAR base router unit.

PRODUCT FEATURES

BEST-IN-CLASS MOBILE IP ROUTING

--Cisco 3200 Mobile Access Router (MAR) Hardware

TRANSIT TAILORED SOLUTION

--To be Qualified to Global Standards: EN 50155, MIL-STD-810F, SAE J1455, SAE J1133

--Specifically Optimized for Requirements of Train and Bus/Vehicle Installations

ENHANCED POWER SUPPLY

--150 Watt Supply with Wide Input Range, Surge Protection and Galvanic Isolation

--Intelligent Power Management Circuit and External Power Reset Switch

HARDENED MECHANICAL DESIGN

--Compact Size (approx. 8"x4"x6" L-W-H)

--Fanless, Conduction-Cooled Chassis and Wide Operating Temp Range: -40 degrees C to 70 degrees C

--Rain-Proof NEMA 4X/6 Aluminum Enclosure and IP65/IP67 Sealed Circular Connectors

--Spring-Loaded Dagger Pins and Mounting Tray Brackets Enable Easy Installation

POWER INJECTORS FOR REMOTE DEVICES

--Power-Over-Ethernet (POE) (IEEE 802.3af) on 3 Fast Ethernet RJ-45 Ports

--Power-with-Serial (PwS) on 3 Serial Ports (including 1 Isolated Aux Port)

REMOTE NODE(S) FOR WI-FI/CELLULAR

--Separate AlphaNODE(s) powered by AlphaMAR base unit provide CDMA 1xRTT cellular modem and Cisco 802.11 Wi-Fi card (WMIC); or other customer-required functionality, upon request (i.e., CPU, GSM, PCMCIA, Ethernet Switch, GPS, EV-DO, UMTS, 4.9GHz WMIC)

--Can be mounted on top of base unit or installed remotely near vehicle antennas (to optimize RF signal strength)

--Enables perpetual radio and functional upgrades without having to replace/modify the base AlphaMAR router unit

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The AlphaMAR is expected to be in stock by early 2006. Single unit pricing is estimated at $4,995; Wi-Fi/cellular nodes are additional. Contact Parvus Sales for further information at sales@parvus.com.

ABOUT PARVUS

Since 1983, Parvus Corp. has been a strategic systems engineering and development partner for aerospace, defense, transportation, and industrial OEMs. Specializing in the rapid design and production of turnkey embedded computing solutions for harsh environments, Parvus leverages extensive expertise in systems integration and a complete line of rugged PC/104, PC/104-Plus, and PCI-104 computer modules to ensure high reliability and accelerate time-to-market for its customers. Parvus is a Cisco Systems Advanced Technology Partner (ATP) for the hardware design and integration (HDI) of the 3200 Series Mobile Access Router (MAR).