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1.3.3 Using an Ethernet Network
The 7188E family is designed as a RS-232 to Ethernet converter. So it
follows that they can be used to link these RS-232 devices to central computer
as follows:
Compared to the RS-485 network, these Ethernet network hubs are already
in existence for system network. Therefore, the RS-232 devices can find the
closest hub and link to the central computer with the help of the 7188E family.
The Ethernet network is extremely popular and already existing for most
applications, hence, this approach is a very successful. Refer to “7188E Series
Software User’s Manual” for more information about the 7188E family.
When linking these devices together, users must write a program to
read/write to the 7188E family. In general, it is more difficult to write a TCP/IP
program than a COM 1/2 program.
Therefore
,
the VxComm technology is
developed to virtualize COM-ports of the 7188E to become COM
3/4/5…/256 of the central computer.
Then users can write a COM port
program to link these RS-232 devices need not to concern themselves with any
TCP/IP problem.
7188E Series Hardware User’s Manual, 2004, v2.2, 7MH-016-22 ----- 7