B&B Electronics ESR901W232 Wireless Networking Basics, Virtual COM Mode, Serial Tunneling Mode

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Introduction

Virtual COM Mode

Virtual COM Mode allows application programs to effectively extend their COM ports across the network. Data sent to that port is redirected via the network to a COM port on the serial server. Windows programs using standard Windows API calls are able to interface to these virtual COM ports. When a program on the PC opens the 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.

Serial Tunneling Mode

Serial Tunneling is also called paired mode. In this mode any two serial devices that can communicate across the wireless link will be able to communicate using two serial servers.

One server is 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.

802.11 Wireless Networking Basics

Vlinx ESR90xW wireless serial servers allow you to connect non-network- enabled serial devices into a wireless network, giving you the capability to gather more data and implement remote programming and management. Serial devices no longer are limited to a physical connection to a PC. The serial device can be connected to a Vlinx ESR90xW wireless serial server anywhere within range of an 802.11g compatible wireless access point. Communication occurs transparently using TCP/IP or UDP/IP over a wireless link. This allows traditional Windows PC software access to serial devices anywhere on the wireless network.

The enabling technology for Vlinx ESR90xW wireless serial servers is based on the IEEE 802 standard. Some background on the standard follows.

Documentation Number: ESR90xW-4905m

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Introduction

802.11 Wireless Networking

IEEE 802.11 is a set of standards that defines how multiple devices can communicate on a wireless network. The standard has grown into a set of several standards that define various features and functions. The 802.11g standard defines the physical and data link layers for a wireless network using the 2.4 GHz frequency band, a band that does not require licensing. As a part of the IEEE family of standards, 802.11 WLANs are easily connected to 802.3 (Ethernet) LANs. Higher layer LAN protocols, network operating systems and internetworking protocols such as TCP/IP integrate seamlessly.

Under the IEEE 802.11 standard there can be two different types of devices on the wireless network: stations and access points (AP). A station often is a PC equipped with a wireless network adapter. An 802.11 access point is a radio with an interface that allows connection to a wired LAN. Access points run bridging software to facilitate the connection from wireless to wired network. The access point becomes the base station for the WLAN. It aggregates access to the wired network for multiple wireless stations. An access point may be a standalone device or a card in a PC.

Wireless Network Configurations

The 802.11 standard defines two modes of operation: infrastructure mode and ad hoc mode. Infrastructure mode makes use of one or more access points connected to a wired LAN. Wireless stations communicate with access points to gain access to each other and/or the LAN. In the Basic Service Set (BSS) several stations communicate with one access point, which is connected to a wired LAN. In the Extended Service Set (ESS) two or more access points connect to the LAN creating a subnetwork.

In ad hoc mode, also called Independent Basic Service Set (IBSS), access points are not used. Wireless stations communicate directly with each other in a peer-to-peer fashion. This mode allows individual computers to set up a network where wireless infrastructure does not exist.

Vlinx ESR90xW wireless serial servers can be configured to operate in infrastructure mode only, ad hoc mode is not supported at this time. During device configuration a wireless configuration wizard guides you through the process of setting up the type of network, naming the network (specifying the SSID, or service set identifier) and other parameters.

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Chapter 1

Documentation Number: ESR90xW-4905m

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 Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

B&B Electronics Ltd – Westlink Commercial Park – Oranmore, Galway, Ireland – Ph +353 91-792444 – Fax +353 91-792445 – www.bb-europe.com

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Contents Vlinx Wireless Serial Servers ESR901W232, ESR901W485 ESR902W, ESR904WInternational Headquarters European HeadquartersDocumentation Number ESR90xW-4905m Table of Contents Features About Your Vlinx ESR90xW Wireless Serial ServerDirect IP Mode IntroductionSerial Tunneling Mode Wireless Networking BasicsVirtual COM Mode Wireless Network ConfigurationsHardware Setup ESR90xW Startup ProcedurePackage Checklist Ieee 802.11gConfiguration Power UpSet Up PC OperationPackage Checklist Hardware FeaturesVlinx ESR90xW Hardware Antenna Connector Connections for Server ConfigurationConfiguration Port Connector Serial Port ConnectorsConnection via the Wireless LAN Other Hardware ConnectionsConfiguring the Serial Port Device Configuration via Web ConsoleAccessing the Web Browser Configuring Communications Modes and ProtocolsWireless Output Power Security Method WEP o Leap Configuring Network PropertiesConfiguring Wireless Properties Managing Users AccountsUsing Device Status Information Vlinx Web Console UsersUsing Multiple Conditions Adjusting the Behavior of Device Communication PortsTimeouts Polling StringsVcom Port Setup Device Discovery and Virtual COM PortsDevice Detection Utility Product Specifications Server Name Serial Number Password Default Server PropertiesVlinx ESR90xW Dimensional Diagrams TCPDimensional Diagram of the Vlinx 902W DB-9 Pin-outs for RS-232 and RS-232/422/485 Connections DB-9M RS-232RS-422 RS-485 Pin +12 VDC to 30 VDC TX+ RJ-45 Pin-out for Configuration Port ConnectionRJ-45 Pin Signal Wire Color RX+Declaration of Conformity Declaration of Conformity

VLINX WIRELESS SERIAL SERVER, ESR901W232, ESR904W, ESR901W485, ESR902W specifications

B&B Electronics has made significant strides in the realm of wireless communication technology with its series of products designed for reliable, high-performance connectivity. Among their offerings, the ESR902W, ESR901W485, ESR904W, and ESR901W232 stand out as essential tools for businesses looking to enhance their serial device communication capabilities. Each model comes with unique features tailored to different applications, ensuring versatile solutions for various industrial settings.

The ESR902W is a robust wireless serial server that converts RS-232 serial data into a 2.4GHz wireless radio connection. This device supports a broad range of serial data rates and can maintain reliable connections up to 1,200 feet in line-of-sight conditions. With its simple setup and compatibility with numerous protocols, the ESR902W is ideal for remote monitoring and control applications where conventional wired communication is impractical.

The ESR901W485 version takes things a step further by offering support for RS-485 serial connections. This model is particularly beneficial in environments with multiple devices and longer distance needs. Its multi-drop capability allows for the connection of up to 32 devices on a single network, providing a seamless way to manage extensive operations. Like the ESR902W, it also features a robust wireless link that enhances flexibility and reduces installation costs.

The ESR904W offers unmatched performance with its four serial port capabilities, making it suitable for applications requiring simultaneous connections to multiple devices. This model is known for its network scalability, allowing users to easily integrate additional devices without sacrificing performance. It seamlessly handles complex communication tasks in industries ranging from manufacturing to transportation.

Finally, the ESR901W232 model focuses on delivering reliable RS-232 connectivity. With built-in security features such as AES encryption and an accessible web interface for monitoring, this wireless serial server is optimized for secure data transmission, making it perfect for sensitive applications that demand high security.

The VLINX Wireless Serial Server technology underpins these devices. Utilizing various wireless protocols, including Wi-Fi and Zigbee, these servers offer a range of communication options based on application requirements. With features such as robust packet handling, automatic data buffering, and user-friendly configuration interfaces, B&B Electronics ensures that their products deliver reliable and efficient communication solutions suited for diverse industrial landscapes. Overall, these wireless serial servers are valuable components for organizations seeking to modernize their data communication infrastructure while enhancing operational efficiency.
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