User manual

EKI-1521/1522/1524 User Manual 6
2.1 Understanding EKI-152X series
The EKI-152X series are network-based, serial device servers for connecting RS-
232/422/485 devices, such as CNCs, PLCs, scales, and scanners, directly to a TCP/
IP network. Once connected through EKI-152X series, the 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 and monitor remote serial devices either over a LAN or over the
WAN. Since the EKI-152X series 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
correctly.
2.1.1 Product Description
The EKI-152X series is designed to network-enable any RS-232/422/485 serial
device and provide industry-grade hardware and easy-use software to make con-
necting 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-152X series features a lot of powerful functions such as: high speed
data transfer, access-control, auto-detection of all EKI series products, remote con-
nection 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-152X series provides dual Ethernet ports that can establish two physical Ether-
net connections. Dual connection control enables an alternative backup session that
host can connect to device server by the way of second connection while the primary
connection should be lost or dropped.
Figure 2.1 Dual Ethernet Connections