7
I N T R O D U C T I O N
7
M U LT E N E T P O C K E T P A D
Introduction to PocketPAD
The PocketPAD is a device that interconnects serial and Ethernet systems. The networked
host could have a server application polling for information from the serial unit, or a controller
with an Ethernet port. The PocketPAD can be configured to be a server (Passive/Slave mode)
or a host (Active/Master mode).
Serial to PC (Ethernet)
The PocketPAD also provides a transparent serial link over the Ethernet network between two
serial devices, when used with another PocketPAD. This extends your serial line beyond its
limitations. The Ethernet network can be used instead of laying down extra serial cable lines.
Serial to Serial
COM Port Redirection
A COM Port Redirector software tool can be employed to provide a virtual COM Port which is
tunnelled through to the PocketPAD via Ethernet for server applications that are not network
enabled (i.e. legacy systems).
The COM port redirector on the PC creates a virtual serial port for use by the serial software
application. The COM port redirector is responsible for passing data and control signals to the