Overview | Black Box LES404A, LES402A, LES401A specs

Black Box LES404A, LES402A, LES401A, 1-, 2-, and 4-Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers Overview

Chapter 2: Overview

2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

1-, 2-, and 4-Port Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers enable connection of RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 devices to an Ethernet network. You can access the serial ports over a LAN/WAN using Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Port, or Paired Mode connections. The 10-/100-Mbps Ethernet connection auto-selects 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX and indicates the type of connection with a bi-color link light. These serial servers are built for use in industrial environments, featuring an IP30-approved, slim-line, DIN-rail-mountable case. They operate from a range of AC or DC power supply voltages, support redundant DC power, and feature terminal block power connectors.

Industrial and commercial measurement and control systems often have standalone devices with unused serial ports. Black Box® Serial Servers allow you to connect those ports into your existing LAN or WAN, giving you access to more information and the ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot those devices from a control room, office, or even a distant location via a WAN. Save the cost, time and trouble of carrying a laptop out to devices located in distant, cold, dirty, or uncomfortable environments.

Connect your serial device to the serial port and connect the server to your LAN. Your networked computer “sees” the device over the network as a virtual serial connection. Black Box serial servers support TCP or UDP protocols and allow transmitting to and receiving from multiple IP addresses. There are four methods of configuring serial servers: via Management Software, Web Server, Telnet, or via a direct RS-232 console connection using a terminal program.

2.1.1 Applications

•Access remote devices with serial ports via your network.

•Manage, configure, and program devices remotely via a Web server.

•Use for industrial devices such as PLCs, drives, motor controls, process analyzers.

•Building/commercial/security—parking control, security, cameras.

•Traffic management—lights, systems, cameras.

•Retail/point of sale—cash registers, scanners, scales.

2.1.2 Manager Software

The Manager software allows easy access to the serial server to configure the server and its ports, upgrade server firmware, and monitor port status and activity. When the Manager opens, it will search for and display all serial servers on the network.

2.1.3 Monitor Port

The Monitor Port feature allows you to use any PC on the LAN/WAN to actively view and troubleshoot the communications sta- tus. It shows when there is a client connection to the server and the client IP address. It displays the number of bytes transmitted and received as well as the status of the hardware handshaking lines.

2.1.4 Web Server

Black Box serial servers can be accessed and configured from any Web browser (such as Internet Explorer) on the LAN/WAN. This allows you to remotely manage the software and your serial device. It also allows off-site troubleshooting.

2.1.5 Heartbeat Connection Protection

LES400A series Serial Servers provide automatic resumption of the TCP data connection in case of a power failure or loss of an Ethernet connection on either the client or server. Once the Heartbeat connection is established, the server sends a signal to the client every five seconds until communication is re-established. Without this feature, a device that loses a connection and stops communicating would not be able to reconnect without a person attending to the problem. The Heartbeat feature works with virtual COM and TCP direct IP connections.

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LES402A, LES401A, LES404A, 1-, 2-, and 4-Port Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers specifications

The Black Box LES402A, LES404A, and LES401A are robust industrial Ethernet serial servers designed to facilitate seamless communication between serial devices and Ethernet networks. These devices come in various configurations, including 1-port, 2-port, and 4-port options, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

One of the primary features of the Black Box LES series is their ability to convert asynchronous serial data into a TCP/IP format. This functionality allows legacy devices to be integrated into modern Ethernet networks, providing businesses with a cost-effective solution to modernizing their infrastructure without replacing existing equipment. The devices support various serial protocols, including RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485, ensuring compatibility with numerous devices.

Each server in this series is equipped with advanced features such as selectable baud rates, which range from 300 to 921,600 bps, catering to the needs of diverse serial peripherals. Additionally, the LES402A, LES404A, and LES401A include an easy-to-use web-based management interface that simplifies configuration and monitoring. Users can quickly set up parameters, manage connections, and perform diagnostics, all from a centralized interface.

Robustness and reliability are crucial for industrial applications, and the Black Box LES series does not disappoint. Built to withstand harsh environments, these devices feature a rugged metal housing that protects against dust, moisture, and other environmental factors. Additionally, they come with Ethernet port support for Auto-MDIX, simplifying cable connections by automatically detecting and adjusting the port configuration.

Security is another significant consideration. The Black Box LES servers include features such as SSL and SSH support that secure data transmission between devices, making them suitable for sensitive applications. Furthermore, the devices support SNMP for network management, allowing for remote monitoring and management.

In summary, the Black Box LES402A, LES404A, and LES401A series of Industrial Ethernet Serial Servers are designed to bridge the gap between legacy serial devices and modern Ethernet networks. With their robust construction, varied port options, and advanced features, these devices enhance connectivity and streamline operations in demanding industrial environments. Their flexible configuration and security protocols make them a reliable choice for organizations looking to integrate their legacy systems into contemporary networks.