Introduction

Communication Modes

The ESR90x 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.

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.

Manual Documentation Number ESR90x-0508m

Chapter 1

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B&B Electronics Mfg Co Inc – 707 Dayton Rd - Ottawa IL 61350 - Ph 815-433-5100 - Fax 815-433-5104www.bb-elec.com

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

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B&B Electronics ESR901, ESR904, ESR902 manual Communication Modes, Direct IP Mode, Virtual COM Mode, Paired Mode

ESR902, ESR901, ESR904 specifications

B&B Electronics, a renowned name in industrial networking, has developed a series of robust and reliable products, including the ESR904, ESR901, and ESR902. These devices are integral components designed primarily for serial-to-Ethernet conversion, enhancing data communication across various applications.

The ESR904 is a versatile serial server that supports four serial ports. It effectively enables communication between serial devices and Ethernet networks, facilitating the integration of legacy devices into modern IT environments. With a built-in web server, the ESR904 allows users to manage configuration settings conveniently from a web browser. It supports various networking protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP, ensuring seamless connectivity. Additionally, the device features baud rate settings that can be configured per port, accommodating a wide range of serial devices.

The ESR901 is specifically tailored for single-port serial applications. It provides a straightforward solution for converting RS-232/422/485 serial connections to Ethernet. This simplicity does not compromise functionality, as the ESR901 supports a variety of protocols, including telnet for remote access, making it suitable for diverse networking environments. Its compact design and ease of installation make it an ideal choice for those looking to integrate serial devices without extensive modifications to existing setups.

The ESR902 offers dual-port functionality, allowing it to connect two serial devices to an Ethernet network simultaneously. This dual capability is particularly beneficial for applications that require multiple devices to communicate over a single network connection. Like its counterparts, the ESR902 supports various communication protocols and provides secure data transmission. Moreover, it features diagnostic tools that assist networking professionals in troubleshooting any connectivity issues that may arise.

All three models incorporate features such as flexible mounting options, power over Ethernet (PoE) support, and ruggedized designs to withstand industrial environments. They are designed to operate reliably in harsh conditions, featuring wide temperature ranges and robust housings. B&B Electronics emphasizes security with options for SSH/SSL encryption, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected during transmission.

In summary, the ESR904, ESR901, and ESR902 by B&B Electronics represent valuable solutions for integrating legacy serial devices into Ethernet networks. With their robust feature sets, flexible configurations, and reliable performance, they cater to a diverse range of industries, enhancing connectivity and improving overall operational efficiency.