Advantech EKI-1351 Server User Manual


 
EKI-1351/1352 User Manual 6
2.1 Understanding EKI-1351/1352
The EKI-1351/1352 is network-based, serial device server for connecting
RS-232/422/485 devices, such as CNCs, PLCs, scales, and scanners, directly to a
TCP/IP network. Once connected through EKI-1351/1352, serial device will be able
to send and receive data on a network like any other network device. It extends tradi-
tional COM ports of a PC with access over a TCP/IP network. Through networking,
you can control monitor remote serial devices either over a LAN or over the WAN.
Since the EKI-1351/1352 is connected through a TCP/IP network, you might need to
know some basic facts about networking in order to get the server hooked up cor-
rectly.
2.1.1 Product Description
The EKI-1351/1352 is designed to network-enable any RS-232/422/485 serial
devices and provides industry-grade hardware and easy-to-use software to make
connecting serial devices to an Ethernet network a surprisingly simple process.
These units immediately upgrade your existing serial devices for integration into the
Internet world. The EKI-1351/1352 features a lot of powerful functions such as: high
speed data transfer, access-control, auto-detection of all EKI series products, remote
connection from different network domain, remote firmware download, and more.
After the simple installation steps to attach your network and serial device to the
appropriate connectors on the serial device servers and driver installation, you will
then be able to communicate with the serial devices via its own application software
and with the EKI serial device server. COM port redirector, TCP server mode, TCP
client mode, UDP server mode, UDP client mode and Control mode are all different
schemes to make a serial connection across using one or more Serial device server.
EKI-1351/1352 has 802.11b/g transceiver in addition to its serial and Ethernet ports.
Each serial port is connected to the serial communication port of a device. The wire-
less transceiver connects to another wireless device or to an Access Point (AP).
Figure 2.1 Wireless LAN Connections