Overview of DigiGate®

The three major elements:

• DigiGate® System
• DigiGate® Network
• DigiGate® Solutions

DigiGate® System
A DigiGate® system has within it three (3) working components; the HUB, the CTSs, and the RTUs.

The HUB is a server that is equipped with communication hardware and is running Gateway Communications' HubServer service. Multiple HUBs are located at a primary operating center at Gateway's facility in Tucson, Arizona. In addition, the HUBs connect the system to the DigiGate® Network as well as being the gateway between the application's remote devices and back office software.

The HUB monitors the system, manages user accounts and routes the activity between DigiGate® networks and of the individual CTSs.

The Cell Transceiver Stations (CTS) are linked directly to a HUB and are responsible for both fixed and mobile RTUs within its service area.

The Remote Transceiver Units (RTUs) are the two-way RF modems attached to an application provider's equipment, i.e. electric meter, vending machine, security system, etc. The RTU communicates with a particular piece of equipment and transports the information back to the CTS, which in turn routes it to the HUB.

Once the data packet reaches the HUB, it immediately forwards the data to its final destination via a secured VPN connection. If a VPN is not available, the system can be configured to send the data without being acknowledged. Since the system and network are based on the TCP/IP format, the application's backend software can send packets to the RTUs.

DigiGate® Network
The second element of the DigiGate® concept is the DigiGate® Network. This network links all the DigiGate® HUB and CTSs together via public and private wired and/or satellite networks. This means that accesses to the licensee's markets are accessible from anywhere in the world. A manager of Vending Machine Company can be in his office in Boston and directly monitor the status of a specific machine at an airport in Los Angeles.

Again, since a system is bi-direction the same manager can send new instructions back to the specific machine through the DigiGate® Network.

The DigiGate® Network allows for seamless roaming between the various DigiGate® Systems or markets. The same manager can leave his office in Boston, get on an airplane to Los Angeles, arrive and log on to the Los Angeles system and receive his messages or communicate with the Boston office.

DigiGate® Solutions
DigiGate® Solutions are designed to support the licensee's market and the various application vendors. Its essential function is to work with both to develop applications and implement services. DigiGate® will work with the licensee to integrate applications into his system, and assist the application providers with hardware and software interfacing.