EKI-1351/EKI-1352/EKI-1521/1522/1524 User Manual
8
2.1
Understanding Serial Device Servers
The EKI serial device servers are network-based, serial device servers for connect-
ing four RS-232/422/485 devices, such as CNCs, PLCs, scales, and scanners,
directly to a TCP/IP network. Once connected through EKI serial device servers,
serial device will be able to send and receive data on a network like any other net-
work device. It extends traditional COM ports of a PC with access over a TCP/IP
network. Through networking, you can control an monitor remote serial devices
either over a LAN or over the WAN. Since the EKI serial device servers are
connected through a TCP/IP network, you might need to know some basic facts
about networking in order to get the server hooked up correctly.
2.1.1
Product Description
The EKI serial device servers are designed to network-enable any RS-232/422/485
serial devices and provide industry-grade hardware and easy-use software to make
connecting serial devices to an Ethernet network a surprisingly simple process.
These units immediately upgrade your exiting serial devices for integration into the
Internet world. The EKI serial device server feature a lot of powerful functions such
as: high speed data transfer, access-control, auto-detection of all EKI series
products, remote connection from different network domain, remote firmware
download, and more.
After the simple installation steps to attach your network and serial device to the
appropriate connectors on the serial device servers and driver installation, you will
then be able to communicate with the serial devices via its own application software
and with the EKI serial device server. COM port redirector, TCP server mode, TCP
client mode, UDP server mode, UDP client mode and Control mode are all different
schemes to make a serial connection across using one or more Serial device server.
EKI-1521, EKI-1522, and EKI-1524 provide dual Ethernet ports that can establish
two physical Ethernet connections. Dual connection control enables an alternative
backup session that host can connect to device server by the way of second connec-
tion while the primary connection should be lost or dropped.
