like:
GPS data stream from the GPS,
OBDII interface data,
External display interface
External buttons or control devices

the list is potentially endless....

Yup! Actually, I'm not as puzzled as I make out. NMEA sprung immediately to mind...along with wheel sensors....and on and on.

I'm just a little foggy on how to make it all work!

My past experience with Lantronix was in interfacing serial lab devices over a hospital's IP network. Their stuff really did work well. I look forward to getting my hands on some of these.....(Hey! potential Alcan sponsor!!)