Connect Tech Blue Heat/Net Sync User Manual
Understanding Virtual COM Ports
In a typical serial port setup, the application communicates directly with the connected serial port hardware.
Virtual COM ports differ in that the application communicates with a network protocol layer that transfers the necessary information to and from the remote serial ports. The virtual ports appear as standard serial ports to the application, but in reality the data is translated into a series of Ethernet messages between the Blue Heat/Net Sync unit and the host computer. The serial port is not physically connected to the host computer, but this is transparent to the application trying to access it.
There are several advantages to using virtual COM ports, which include:
Distance – The serial ports can be a great distance away from the host computer. They are not limited by the standard electrical characteristics of the
Speed – Short
Cabling – Cost effective Ethernet cabling can be used for the transfer of information to the Blue Heat/Net Sync and often this is part of the existing networking infrastructure. Connecting serial ports in a remote location can be as easy as plugging in a Blue Heat/Net Sync to the Ethernet network. This provides a simple, clean cabling arrangement.
Port Sharing – In some applications it is desirable to have a serial resource that is accessed and shared by more than one host computer. Connect Tech‟s virtual serial port technology allows this to be done easily.
Routing – Different ports on a Blue Heat/Net Sync can be connected to multiple host computers.
Monitoring – Because the virtual serial ports are on the network, they can easily be monitored to ensure everything is operating correctly.
Blue Heat/Net Sync Installation Overview
There are three main stages in the installation process for your Blue Heat/Net Sync.
1.Hardware Installation
This involves the physical connection of the Blue Heat/Net Sync hardware to your network, and addresses issues such as cabling and power requirements.
2.Blue Heat/Net Sync Configuration
The first step in the configuration process is to set the IP Address. Then use one of three available methods to configure the Blue Heat/Net Sync firmware settings for your application. This can be done through the SCM (Serial Configuration Manager) or the WCM (Web Configuration Manager), depending on circumstances and personal preference.
3.Software Installation for Windows
This step installs and configures the Blue Heat/Net Sync drivers and ports for your host Operating System and allows you to set parameters specific to your serial requirements. This is done via the Blue Heat/Net Sync Configuration Manager.
NOTE: Software support for Windows and Linux is still in development
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