Compact WiFi modules support secure boot standards

16th March 2017

u-blox

Alice Matthews

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Datasheet

Two new WiFi modules for industrial markets have been announced by u-blox. NINA-W131 and NINA‑W132 are low power WiFi modules supporting 802.11 b/g/n in the 2.4GHz ISM band. They are the first two variants of the new NINA-W1 module series. Developed with security and quick time-to-market in mind, the NINA-W1 stand-alone modules make WiFi integration easy. Their secure design makes them suitable for WiFi applications including telematics, low power sensors, connected buildings (appliances, surveillance), point-of-sales and health devices.

"A major challenge in today’s IoT applications is security," noted Pelle Svensson, Market Development Manager, Product Centre 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 WiFi connectivity into IoT devices."

The NINA-W1 modules provide top grade security, thanks to secure boot, which ensures the module only boots up with original u-blox software. In addition, they will 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 WiFi 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 and SDIO).