Serial over LAN

[klindy]

I'm reviewing other options to distribute RS232 to the various equipment I have. Currently I have an 8 port card in my server but it looks like the mobo failed. I would like to get a very small, dedicated server which can reside in the kitchen cabinet and drive the kitchen touchscreen. However there won't be any slots available to handle the serial board so I'm looking for something that can run off the network. I have hardwiired (cat5e) connections virtually everywhere on a gigabit network (wireless avalable too).

Any recommendations or thoughts?

[rtarver]

I'm out at the moment, but google quatech and check eBay. These little devices set on your network and get loaded up as extra com ports. I have three and they work like a charm. I'll post links tonight when I get home.

Russ

[znelbok]

Elk have one that supports multiple connections. Al lot of them will only support a single connection. This may or may not be an issue for you. For an alarm system it is good, where CQC is communicating and the config software can also make a connection (as an example)

The iTach's seem to work well. you will need software to create com ports for them though.

Lantronix and Digi are two other brands. I use a Digi Etherlite 32. It sits in the rack and has 32 serial ports.

Mick

[rtarver]

Here: http://www.quatech.com/catalog/seria...ce_servers.php

They have single and multiple versions (wired and unwired too). They are quite expensive these days. I got lucky and found a stash of original designs on ebay 2 years ago. Bought three four port versions for about $29 each.

They grab an ip address, and you can configure each port remotely. They just show up like any standard com port. I think the really nice thing is that multiple computers can load them up as additional com ports.

Russ

[znelbok]

One thing to watch is software. Some like the iTach's dont actually have com port redirection software and they rely on others (Lantronix). lantronix has removed a feature that allows them to work so you have to spend a bit of time trying to find a solution.

If the manufacturer has their own then that is a good start. At least you can contact them for support as its their own software and hardware.

Mick