The automation industry uses tens of millions of sensors, gauges, PLCs, card readers, and other serial devices that must be connected to form a control network and provide managerial data for information systems. The most widely used interfaces for connecting such devices are RS-232 and RS-422/485.

In recent years, network infrastructures such as Ethernet, and in a broader context, the Internet, have been adopted by the automation industry as their main communication backbone. The goal was to adopt mature, open technologies, such as TCP/IP and Ethernet, to get control devices networked. To achieve this goal, device manufacturers and device users looked for an instant solution that allowed them to connect their control devices to an Ethernet LAN. Since most LANs are also connected to the Internet, this type of serial-to-Ethernet solution gave devices a data transmission outlet to any Internet host in the world. 

Moxa's NPort family of serial device servers gives users the ability to connect serial devices to an Ethernet network instantly. Our 1- and 2-port device server models are the products chosen most often for use with automation applications. Choose from 1- and 2-port serial-to-Ethernet device server models that connect just RS-232 serial devices, just RS-422 and RS-485 serial devices, or all three serial interfaces—RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485—to an Ethernet network. 

What do you get from Moxa NPort device servers?

• Easy Device Networking
  NPort device servers are small computers equipped with a CPU, real-time OS, and TCP/IP protocols that bi-directionally translate data between the serial and Ethernet interfaces. Device servers are used to network-enable traditional RS-232/422/485 devices, allowing you to access, manage, and configure remote facilities and equipment over the Internet from anywhere in the world.
  
• Device Management over a TCP/IP Network
  Traditional SCADA and data collection systems rely on serial ports to collect data from various instruments. With NPort device servers, your SCADA and data collection systems will be able to access any device connected to a standard TCP/IP network, regardless of whether the device is used locally or at a remote site.
  
• Host-independent, OS-independent Solutions
  NPort device servers are stand-alone, IP-based network devices that allow you to expand the number of serial ports for a host computer on demand. Any computer that supports the TCP/IP protocol (and when was the last time you saw a computer that didn't?) will be able to access the device server over a TCP/IP network. You won't be handicapped by the computer's limited number of ISA or PCI slots, or deterred because you can't find the right driver for your computer's operating system.
  
• Real COM/TTY Driver—Serial COM Re-programming Not Required
  In addition to providing socket access, NPort device servers also come with a Real COM/TTY driver that transmits all serial signals intact. This means that you can continue using your existing COM/TTY-based software, and save money by not needing to allocate valuable resources for a major software overhaul.