2: Introduction
XPress DR+ User Guide 13
For information about using any of the industrial communication protocols, see the
specific protocol guides on the software CD or the Lantronix web site. Protocol firmware
files are also on the CD.
Note: Please check the Lantronix web site for newer versions that may become
available.
You can set up the unit using the serial port or remotely over Ethernet using Telnet or,
when using the Standard Tunneling firmware, a web browser. The CD that comes with
your device server includes DeviceInstaller, a Windows-based configuration software that
simplifies the process of installing protocols and configuring them for use with attached
devices. The XPress DR+ uses Flash memory for maintenance-free, non-volatile storage
that allows fast system upgrades.
Network Protocols (Serial Tunneling) The XPress DR+ uses TCP/IP protocols for network communication. The supported
standards are ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, DHCP, AutoIP, MODBUS/TCP, and
SNMP. For transparent connections, TCP/IP (binary stream) or Telnet protocols are
used. You can perform firmware upgrades with the TFTP protocol.
The IP (Internet Protocol) protocol defines addressing, routing, and data-block handling
over the network. The TCP (transmission control protocol) assures that no data is lost or
duplicated, and that everything sent into the connection on one side arrives at the target
exactly as it was sent.
For typical datagram applications, where devices interact with others without maintaining
a point-to-point connection, UDP datagram is supported in the Standard Tunnel Protocol.
XPress DR+ comes loaded with Standard Tunnel Protocol. Standard Tunneling is a serial
communications protocol used by most Lantronix device servers. You can configure it to
Ethernet-enable most serial devices such as barcode scanners, weigh scales, operator
panels, data access devices, alphanumeric displays, and thousands of intelligent serial
devices.
Loading industrial protocols such as Modbus to an XPress DR+ changes the
configuration dialogs. See the user guides on individual protocols for protocol-specific
settings and configuration dialogs. Protocol manuals are on the software CD.
Note: This User Guide describes the setup and configuration dialogs for the
Standard Tunnel Protocol.
Application Examples Using a method called serial tunneling, the XPress DR+ encapsulates serial data into
packets and transports them over Ethernet. Using two XPress DR+ units, connected by a
network, you can extend virtual serial connections across a facility or around the world.