Hi,
we're designing a interface module for an existing machine. This machine has a very simple embedded OS with a IP stack and connects to the client network via ethernet connection.
Without disturbing this hardware design, we would like to add a module that connects to the ethernet connection and provides dual-band WiFi connectivity, while preserving another Ethernet connection. In other words, this module would be a very simple wifi+ethernet bridge for the existing machine. Find a simple block diagram attached. The module whould have to be configurable via simple http commands (for ESSID, channel, etc) and use DHCP to connect to IP networks via either WiFi or ethernet.
We're currently evaluating different platforms to do so and we would like some advice about the best solution based on TI products. I've been searching, but in order to provide dual band and ethernet in and out I would have to use too many ICs, meaning the price goes up too much for the purpose of the project. We're talking about 3,000 units/year for several years and we would like to keep the manufacturing costs of this module under $15.
I would appreciate any advice. And if the proposed solution would be too expensive in anyway, we would be open to drop the 5GHz band for the WiFi part, but the second ethernet is a requirement.
Thanks in advance,
Gabriel