A serial device server helps connect devices with RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial interface with an ethernet or wireless network, allowing seamless data transfer. Serial device servers enable the devices to be accessed from anywhere on the internet.
Serial device servers play a very important role in IoT applications allowing data acquisitions from field-level devices for use in remote control and monitoring.
Serial device servers come with a variety of configurations. While some are simple devices, considering the criticality of data being transmitted on the network, it is advisable to use serial servers with advanced security functionality, data encryption, and user access authentication to ensure that the data is protected all levels. A few points need to be considered before the selection of serial device servers.
Ports and Data Rate
Most serial device servers come with multiple ports, allowing users to connect multiple devices on the same server. While selecting the serial server, it becomes important to ensure that the server contains enough ports to accommodate current devices and anticipated future additions. Nowadays it is also possible to avail serial servers that allow modular additions with an existing server, usually in multiples.
Applications also have specific rates at which they require data to be transmitted expressed in the form of bits per second. Data rates are closely tied to the servers available protocols.
Interface Selection
While selecting a serial server device, it is important to understand type of serial data type. Some applications require to handle anyone of the RS232, RS422 or RS485 protocols, while some applications may require dealing with them all.
Application and Environment
In IIOT applications serial devices are used in industrial settings. Complex working environments can challenge the normal working of a serial device servers. In industrial applications, the stability of data transfer is very important to ensure timely data acquisition without any loss.
It is generally desirable that the serial device servers be certified and tested to relevant standards that ensure stable operations in difficult environmental conditions.
In addition to physical environment, it is also important to understand the electrical environment in which the serial device server is operating. Assessing the admissible electrical noise the device can handle and to provision the required isolation against surges, spikes and grounding issues is desirable for long and hassle-free operation.
In industrial applications, it is possible that a difference in ground potential could damage the device. To avoid this good device manufacturers provide port-to-port isolation.
Security
Data communications requires security and confidentiality at all levels. Ideally, good serial servers use gateways with encryption algorithms, double layer watchdogs and other such keep-live mechanisms to achieve multiple protections.
Mounting Type
Depending on the application serial device servers come in Din-rail and rackmount devices. Din-rail mount servers are suitable for in-cabinet designs, while panel mount servers are generally used on desktops. Some manufacturers offer innovative flexible 6-way mounting mechanisms
Top Serial Device Servers: Exploring the Leading Solutions in the Market
There are many serial device servers available in the market. Advantech and Moxa are popular serial device server makers available in India, in association with LUBI Electronics.
Moxa Serial Device Servers
Moxa serial device servers are built to perform in harsh environments and used in critical applications like automated power generation and intelligent transportation systems. They feature redundant power inputs and port-level access control, making them ideal for time-constrained industrial applications
Advantech Serial Device Servers
Advantech serial device servers support wired and wireless networks with multi-modal operation suitable for industrial automation implementations. One of the advantages of Advantech servers is the ease of installation and configuration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right serial device server requires careful consideration of several key factors. By evaluating these factors, you can ensure that the selected device server meets your specific requirements and seamlessly integrates into your network infrastructure.
After sales technical support and warranty is a very critical aspect of serial device servers. Carefully assessing customer support channels for timely technical assistance is of prime importance.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your connectivity needs, network compatibility, security requirements, scalability and technical support requirements. This will enable you to effectively integrate serial devices into your network and ensure smooth and reliable data communication.
About LUBI Electronics
LUBI Electronics is a leading company in India, exhibiting expertise in the automation, solar, and control panel industry.
We offer Advantech and Moxa products and solutions for Industrial Computing & Networking, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Data Acquisition, SCADA and IIOT.
For more information on our offerings, please reach out to us at lubi@lubielectronics.com.