EtherPath-X4 User’s Guide
The device on one EtherPath communicates with the other serial port device as if it was directly
connected via a serial port cable.
The EtherPaths and the LAN are completely transparent to PC application and serial port device.
Server Mode
This mode requires only a single EtherPath. The EtherPath is connected to the serial port device, and to the
LAN.
Users on the LAN can then connect to the serial port device and communicate with it via Telnet, using any
assigned IP and port address. Most LAN connected workstations provide support for communication via
Telnet.
A special-purpose utility program or port redirector program may be used instead of Telnet, or the user may
create custom software using Visual Basic, C++, or other network programming tools. By using port
redirection, the EtherPath may function as a remote serial port on a PC.
Point-to-Multiple-Point (
EtherModem
) Mode
Point-to-multiple-point (
EtherModem
) operation allows a single EtherPath running in client mode to
connect to multiple servermode EtherPaths, one at a time, under the control of the attached RS-232 device.
The client operates similar to a modem with “AT” dialing enabled. The attached device treats the EtherPath
as if it was a modem, using remote IP addresses instead of telephone numbers.
Reverse Telnet (Telnet Client) Mode
This mode requires only a single EtherPath. The EtherPath is connected to the serial port device, and to the
LAN. The EtherPath will connect to most remote telnet servers under user control by using “reverse telnet”
or telnet client operation. The EtherPath will connect to any port number under user control with either
hardware (pin6) dialing or AT dialing.
By using the "AT Dial" commands, the connected device can direct the EtherPath to connect to multiple
remote devices, one at a time.
Other Features
Multiple Ports
The EtherPath-X4 provides four independent serial ports. They are accessible via different IP ports using
the IP address of the box. The ports may have different protocols and speeds, as they are independent of
each other.
Automatic Connection
When used in Client/Server mode, the “Client” EtherPath will automatically establish a connection to the
“Server” EtherPath on power-up, or under the control of an RS-232 control signal.
AT Commands
The EtherPath responds to most common AT commands when in the Client mode. Commands are listed in
the Appendix.
Connection Recovery
The EtherPath uses a proprietary protocol to ensure the client/server session always exists on TCP/IP.
When data hasn't been transferred through the connection for some time, the EtherPath will communicate
with the other device (either EtherPath or PC) to ensure that the connection is still open.
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