User`s manual

NPort 6000 Series User’s Manual Introducing Serial Port Operation Modes
4-2
Overview
The NPort 6000 network-enables traditional serial (RS-232/422/485) devices. The serial device
server is a tiny computer equipped with a CPU and TCP/IP protocols that can bi-directionally
translate data between the serial and Ethernet formats. Your computer can access, manage, and
configure remote facilities and equipment over the Internet from anywhere in the world.
Traditional SCADA and data collection systems rely on serial ports to collect data from various
kinds of instruments. Since the NPort 6000 network-enables instruments equipped with an RS-232,
RS-422, or RS-485 communication port, your SCADA and data collection system will be able to
access all instruments connected to a standard TCP/IP network, regardless of whether the devices
are used locally or at a remote site.
The NPort 6000 is an external IP-based network device that allows you to expand the number of
serial ports for a host computer on demand. As long as your host computer supports the TCP/IP
protocol, you will not be limited by the host computer’s bus limitation (such as ISA or PCI), nor
will you be limited by the absence of drivers for various operating systems.
In addition to providing socket access, the NPort 6000 also comes with a Real COM/TTY driver
that transmits all serial signals intact. This enables you to preserve your existing COM/TTY-based
software without needing to invest in additional software.
Three different socket modes are available: TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP Server/Client. The
main difference between the TCP and UDP protocols is that TCP guarantees delivery of data by
requiring the recipient to send an acknowledgement to the sender. UDP does not require this type
of verification, making it possible to offer faster delivery. UDP also allows unicast or multi-unicast
of data to one IP or groups of IP addresses.
The NPort 6000 also supports console management applications, including Reverse Telnet, as well
as Reverse SSH terminal modes. Reverse terminal modes enable you to connect to a server’s
console port through an IP network for remote control and/or monitoring of that server.
The NPort 6000 supports standard SSL secure data access for Real COM/TTY mode, TCP server
mode, TCP Client mode, and Pair Connection mode. Data transmitted on the Ethernet will be well
protected.
Guide to NPort 6000 Modes
On the NPort 6000, each serial port is independently configurable for a different mode with
different settings. For example, on the NPort 6450, an administrator can easily configure two ports
for Real COM mode, one port for Ethernet Modem mode, and one port for Reverse Telnet mode.
Please refer to
Chapter 7, Configuring Serial Port Operation Modes, for detailed information and
configuration instructions.
Device Control Applications
For device control applications, the NPort 6000 offers the following modes: Real COM/Secure
Real COM mode and RFC2217 mode.