SSL encryption
Network security is a very important issue for many applications. This is especially true for data that is transmitted over the Internet, since data can be intercepted by third parties. The NPort 6000 series of device servers uses the SSL standard to implement secure modes of operation, including secure TCP Server, secure TCP Client, secure Pair-Connection, and secure Real COM. The NPort 6000 server and PC drivers adhere to the SSL standard and automatically negotiate the encryption key. The NPort 6000 server will automatically change the encryption method between DES/3DES and AES to prevent hacker attacks.

Secure remote management and configuration with SSHv2/SSL
Unauthorized access is one of the biggest headaches for system managers. In addition to IP filtering and password protection, NPort 6000 device servers also provide extra protection from hackers by using SSHv2 and SSL. To configure an NPort 6000 device server for secure data transmission, use a web browser that supports https (e.g., Internet Explorer) to open the server's web console, or use a terminal emulator that supports SSH (e.g.,PuTTY) to open the server's terminal or serial console.

HW encryption engine
NPort 6000 servers have a powerful hardware encryption engine and support the complete DES/3DES/AES encryption algorithms. For DES and 3DES, the NPort 6000 series supports ECB, CBC, CFB, and OFB modes. For AES, the series supports ECB, CBC, CFB, OFB, and CTR modes with a 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit key. The HW encryption engine gives NPort 6000 servers a throughput that can reach 250 Kbps for 16-port encryption/decryption access.

802.3af Power over Ethernet
The NPort 6000 series of device servers supports 802.3af PoE (Power Over Ethernet), which means that a server can be used without a power adaptor. When an NPort 6000 server is installed at a site that does not have an available power socket, simply connect the server to an Ethernet switch that supports PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment). The PoE feature of NPort 6000 servers can be used to provide power redundancy. If the power adaptor fails, the appropriately configured NPort 6000 server will automatically switch to PoE without suffering an interruption in service. When using this feature, make sure that your Ethernet cables support power inputs.

Off-line port buffering
For mission-critical applications, data collected through the device server's serial ports cannot be discarded even if the Ethernet connection is severed. NPort 6000 servers provide a powerful function for just this purpose. When the Ethernet connection is down, data is stored in the NPort 6000's port buffers. Once the Ethernet line has been reconnected, the buffered data will be sent to the intended destination. The default size of the port buffer is 64 KB for each port, but users can increase the port buffer size for NPort 6250/6450/6650 by installing an external SD card.

Ethernet switch expansion module
Although more and more devices are now Ethernet-ready, many legacy devices are only able to connect to a serial interface. The main purpose of device servers such as the NPort 6450 or NPort 6650 is to connect serial devices to Ethernet, thereby giving engineers the ability to manage all devices in an integrated Ethernet environment. However, a problem can arise if both Ethernet-ready and legacy serial devices must be connected from the same location. For NPort 6450 and 6650 servers, an Ethernet switch expansion module can be used to add more Ethernet ports. The expansion module effectively allows the NPort 6450 or 6650 server to function as both an Ethernet switch and a serial device serve, eliminating the need to invest in a separate, more expensive switch or hub. Modules are available with copper, multi-mode fiber, or single mode fiber ports. The Ethernet switch expansion modules can also be used to create a cascade topology that consists of a daisy-chain of NPort 6450 or 6650 servers.

Easy-to-use LCM console
The NPort 6450 and 6650 have a built-in LCM console that allows IP configuration without requiring a connection to a computer. After assigning an IP address to the server, users can use the built-in "ping" function, accessible from the front panel, to verify that the IP address is correct and unique on the network.