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.

serial to Ethernet converter application: device server

 

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.

serial over Ethernet

 

 

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.

serial to ethernet converter application: modbus gateway

 

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).

serial to ethernet converter application: modbus protocol converter

 

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.

serial to ethernet converter application: converting serial network into tcp/ip

 

serial to ethernet converter applications: converting serial network into tcp/ip

 

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.

serial to ethernet converter applications: remote control and monitor