Advantech EKI-1521

The EKI-1521, EKI-1522, and EKI-1524 feature two independent Ethernet ports and MAC addresses to provide a redundant network mechanism that ensures the reliability of the Ethernet network. These serial device servers connect serial RS-232/422/485 devices, such as PLCs, counters, sensors, and barcode readers, to an IP-based Ethernet LAN. They enable nearly any device with serial interfaces to connect to and share an Ethernet network. The EKI-1521, EKI-1522, and EKI-1524 offer various functions: COM port redirection (Virtual COMport), TCP server, TCP client, and UDP mode. In COM port redirection mode, standard calls for serial operations are transparently redirected to the devices, ensuring compatibility with older serial devices and enabling backward compatibility with existing software. With the TCP server, TCP client, and UDP modes, the devices ensure compatibility with network software that uses a standard network API. Additionally, serial devices can communicate peer-to-peer with other devices without the need for intermediary host PCs and software programming. Included: Advantech EKI-1521.