Introduction

Communication Modes

The ESP901 and ESP902 Serial Servers enable communication with serial devices over a LAN or WAN. Serial devices no longer are limited to a physical connection to the PC COM port. They can be installed anywhere on the LAN using TCP/IP or UDP/IP communications. This allows traditional Windows PC software access to serial devices anywhere on the LAN/WAN network.

Direct IP Mode

Direct IP connections allow applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP socket programs to communicate with the asynchronous serial ports on the Serial Server. In this type of application the Serial Server is configured as a TCP or UDP server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a communication connection with the Serial Server. The data is sent directly to and from the serial port on the server. When using UDP protocol the server can be configured to broadcast data to and receive data from multiple IP addresses.

Virtual COM Mode

Install Virtual COM Mode allows the user to add a driver, to provide a virtual COM port on the computer. The new COM port shows up in the Device Manager. Windows programs using standard Windows API calls are able to interface to virtual COM ports. When a program on the PC opens the new COM port, it communicates with the remote serial device connected to one of the ports on the Serial Server.

After connection, the LAN is transparent to the program and serial device. Applications are able to work just as if the serial device is connected directly to a physical COM port on the computer. The virtual COM port software converts the application’s data into IP packets, sends it across the network to the Serial Server, which converts the IP packet back to serial data and sends the data out a serial port located on the Serial Server.

To use this mode, the Serial Server must be set to either TCP/server or UDP/server with a designated communication port number. The virtual COM driver is the TCP or UDP client.

Introduction

Paired Mode

Paired Mode is also called serial tunneling. In this mode any two serial devices that can communicate with a serial link will be able to communicate using two Serial Servers and the LAN.

Two Serial Servers are connected to a network, one configured as a TCP or UDP client and the other as a TCP/UDP server. When setting up the server the remote IP address section must contain the address of the client. This will allow the client’s IP address to pass the IP address- filtering feature of the server. Conversely, the Remote IP address of the client must contain the server’s IP address. Both communication port numbers must be the same.

Heart Beat

The Heart Beat protocol connection provides a reliable communications connection in Virtual COM Port Mode or with Paired Connection Mode. This feature restores the connection if communications are temporarily lost at either end due to loss of power or Ethernet connection.

Without this feature a device that loses a connection and stops communicating would not be able to reconnect without human intervention. A TCP data connection can be lost when there is a power failure or temporary loss of an Ethernet connection on either the client or server. If a loss occurs the Heart Beat feature will try to reconnect the TCP data connection every five seconds until communications is established again. The Heart Beat feature is available for use in Virtual COM Port Mode and Paired Connection Mode. This is not available when using a UDP application.

Manual Documentation Number: ESP901-902_4105m

Chapter 1

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Chapter 1

Manual Documentation Number: ESP901-902_4105m

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104

www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - PO Box 1040 - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104

www.bb-elec.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445

www.bb-europe.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Pk – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445

www.bb-europe.com

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B&B Electronics RS-232, RS-485, RS-422 manual Communication Modes, Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Mode, Paired Mode, Heart Beat

RS-422, RS-232, RS-485, Multi-Interface Ethernet Serial Servers specifications

B&B Electronics is renowned for its reliable and efficient solutions for industrial communication, and their Multi-Interface Ethernet Serial Servers stand out as versatile tools for connecting legacy serial devices to modern Ethernet networks. The compatibility with various serial communication protocols, including RS-485, RS-232, and RS-422, makes these servers indispensable in numerous applications that require reliable data transfer.

One of the main features of B&B Electronics Multi-Interface Serial Servers is their ability to support multiple serial communication standards. This flexibility allows businesses to integrate older equipment with newer technologies seamlessly. The servers can act as a bridge, ensuring that data from RS-232 devices can be transmitted over Ethernet networks without modification.

These servers also boast a robust design that is built for industrial environments. With an operating temperature range suitable for harsh conditions, they ensure uninterrupted service in settings such as factories or outdoor installations. The metal housing of the devices provides durability and protection from physical damage, ensuring long-lasting performance.

In terms of connectivity, B&B Electronics Multi-Interface Serial Servers come with numerous options to accommodate different network configurations. They support various IP addressing schemes, allowing for easy integration into existing network infrastructures. Their Ethernet compatibility means they can handle high-volume data traffic, making them ideal for applications that demand high-speed communication.

Another significant feature is their user-friendly configuration options. The servers can be configured via a web interface, providing an intuitive and straightforward approach for users to set up and manage their devices remotely. This feature is especially beneficial for businesses with distributed operations, as it allows for easy monitoring and management from a central location.

The serial servers also incorporate advanced technologies such as TCP/IP and UDP protocols, enhancing data transmission reliability. This ensures that even in instances of network interruptions, data is not lost, thus maintaining the integrity of information being communicated between devices.

In summary, B&B Electronics Multi-Interface Ethernet Serial Servers serve as a crucial link between legacy serial devices and modern Ethernet networks. Their flexibility, robust design, and user-friendly features make them a preferred solution for industries looking to improve their communications infrastructure and streamline their operations. With the integration of cutting-edge technologies, these servers not only meet the current demands but also adapt to future advancements in network communications.