The VR1000 Vehicle Router in Action

The Thorcom VR1000 is the first of a new range of true IP routers designed specifically for the vehicle marketplace. Combining a high-performance CPU with the Linux operating system, and extensive vehicle orientated connectivity means the VR1000 can act as the data communications hub for a vehicle data system. More information on the VR1000 at product level can be found on the VR1000 product site.

Using the VR1000 in Basic configuration

The primary job of the VR1000 is bridge in-vehicle equipment with wireless networks. Acting as a gateway it can connect a range of wireless devices (radios) to other in-vehicle equipment. The range of supported wireless devices include TETRA terminals, GPRS terminals, Thorcom PMR modems, and legacy networks too. The range of mobile data terminals (MDT's) is unlimited, and can include anything from a top end in-vehicle PC (like a Panasonic Toughbook) to a simple mono-chrome text screen and keypad (like an Aplicom MDT), directly connected via Ethernet, or via RS232.

Because the VR1000 has its own-internal GPS receiver, and uses the Thorcom intelligent rules-based AVL concept, it can send AVL with or without an MDT. The drawing below shows a VR1000 in gateway mode, and standard GPS based AVL.

Using the VR1000 as a Multi-Bearer Gateway with Multiple MDT's

The VR1000 really comes into its own when multiple devices need to be connected together to allow several devices to share a resilient wireless service (see drawing below). Here the VR1000 is connected to two wireless services (bearers) both TETRA and GPRS, and is able to dynamically determine for itself which bearer is the most appropriate for the required traffic. TETRA is usually the bearer of choice for small and mission critical messages, GPRS can be used when a high bandwidth data service is required. The VR1000 is also able to switch between the bearers if either suffers a disruption in service - for example using TETRA if GPRS coverage is lost.

Taking it Further

As the VR1000 is a fully functional Linux based device, it can be configured to provide advanced operating system derived services to connected devices. Network security is a very important aspect to take into consideration when connecting networks together, so the VR1000 provides a built-in firewall. For connected devices, the VR1000 can provide a DHCP service, as well as NAT and many others.

For more technical information about the VR1000, visit the Thorcom VR1000 product site

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