Protea

Protea is a WiFi-enabled serial terminal that bridges vintage computers with modern internet connectivity, allowing classic systems to access online resources like BBS networks and telnet services without requiring any special software or network cards. Named after the protea flower, which itself derives from Proteus, son of Poseidon in Greek mythology, this board embodies the shape-shifting adaptability that made the mythological Proteus legendary. Just as the protea flower has survived and adapted for over 300 million years, becoming a symbol of longevity and endurance, the Protea development board is designed to endure and adapt across different technological eras. Protea is designed for vintage computing enthusiasts, retrocomputing hobbyists, and developers. Educational users and students benefit from Protea’s hands-on approach to understanding serial communications and terminal operations, while developers use it for projects requiring robust RS232 bridging between legacy devices and Wi-Fi networks. The platform is particularly valuable for those who appreciate the simplicity and understandability of older computing systems but need the connectivity and convenience that modern internet access provides.