Serial to Ethernet Converter Applications
Serial to Ethernet converters can be used to transmit serial data over Ethernet and TCP/IP network. The applications of the serial to Ethernet converters include acting as a serial (RS-232, RS-485, RS-422, etc.) to Ethernet converter or a Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP protocol converter; controlling serial devices from remote Modbus TCP software or Modbus RTU master via Ethernet network; making a wide variety of M2M communication applications possible by enabling client access independent of any operating system or proprietary protocol; extending serial communication distance over Ethernet network; and converting conventional serial data network to TCP/IP network. CommFront's serial to Ethernet converters are designed for harsh industrial applications and provide a simple yet reliable solution for the following applications:
- Device Server
- Serial over Ethernet
- Modbus Gateway
- Modbus Protocol Converter
- Converting Serial Network into TCP/IP
- Remote Control and Monitor
Application 1: Device Server
The device server makes a wide variety of M2M communication applications possible by enabling client access independent of any operating system or proprietary protocol. In addition, because conventional serial protocol are converted into TCP/IP protocol, the device server can be accessed by remote TCP/IP software and/or control stations. This makes the remote control, management, monitoring, and diagnose possible and, in turn, adds an unprecedented level of intelligence and efficiency to the operation.
Application 2: Serial over Ethernet
Serial to Ethernet converters support one or more channels bi-directional serial to Ethernet conversion which can be used to transmit serial data over Ethernet and TCP/IP network. “Serial over Ethernet” allows you to make use of an existing Ethernet network and extend the distance across a facility or to other facilities all over the globe.
Application 3: Modbus Gateway
Modbus RTU is the most widely used industrial protocol. A typical Modbus system consists of one master and multiple slaves that run over the same single twisted pair cable. CommFront's serial to Ethernet converters (e.g. DVS-232-2, DVS-485-2, etc.) can act as a Modbus gateway that encapsulates Modbus packets in standard TCP/IP packets. This enables the filed Modbus devices to connect and communicate over existing Ethernet and fiber networks instantly. In addition, conventional Modbus RTU has a limitation of 247 nodes per network, while Modbus TCP networks can have as many slaves as the physical layer can handle, which often go around 1,024.
Application 4: Modbus Protocol Converter
CommFront's serial to Ethernet converters can act as a Modbus protocol converter that encapsulates Modbus packets in standard TCP/IP packets. A Modbus protocol converter allows conventional Modbus RTU master and slave devices that run on twisted-pair cable to run over Ethernet and fiber networks with greater distance and flexibility (e.g. the COM port settings for client and server can be different).
Application 5: Converting Serial Network into TCP/IP
By using serial to Ethernet converters, you can convert existing RS-232/RS-485/RS-422 field devices such as PLC and RTU into TCP/IP devices, which can directly be controlled by the TCP/IP control software. With CommFront’s Serial-TCP software (an advanced serial to TCP/IP bridging software), you can also convert conventional serial control software into TCP/IP software instantly and seamlessly without a need of software modifications. In addition, various serial devices with different COM settings (RFC2217 supported) can be merged into the same TCP/IP network, thus making the entire network conversion fast, easy, and secure.
Application 6: Remote Control and Monitor
From award-winning 232Analyzer Protocol Analyzer to Advanced Serial to TCP/IP Bridging Software, and from industrial Serial Converters, Isolators, Repeaters, and Hubs to the serial to Ethernet converters, CommFront offers a complete hardware and software solution for controlling and monitoring conventional serial and modern TCP/IP communications. In addition, not only you can test, debug, control, and monitor serial and TCP/IP communications including Modbus RTU/ASCII and Modbus TCP, but you can also integrate our industry-proven software and hardware products with your mission-critical projects without a need of software or hardware modifications.
