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General Info about the Serial to Ethernet Converter: (for Serial to Ethernet Adapters - Coolgear - Buy the Top Serial to Ethernet Devices Online)

A Serial to Ethernet converter, otherwise referred to as a serial device server or serial gateway, is a device used for accessing a serial device over a local LAN network or over the Internet. The Serial to Ethernet converter converts a serial RS232, RS485 or RS422 signal to a packet sized data signal which can then be sent over any Ethernet network. The converter does this bi-directionally; it converts data in both directions so communication with the serial device can be successfully and continually established. This allows you to access a serial RS232 device from anywhere on a standard Ethernet (LAN) network, and many converters even give you the capability to access the serial device over the Internet by using a Virtual Personal Network (VPN) or DNS.
A Serial to Ethernet converter / serial Device Server grants access to the serial device from the network. This convenient device provides the ability to control or communicate with a PC from a remote location.
Another example of the convenience and usefulness of the Serial to Ethernet Converter is the ability to connect to and configure factory machinery from a remote location using a local LAN network. Installation of new wires to connect to the machine is unnecessary and you can configure the machinery from your office away from the factory. Another common use, though falling out of favor, is to use the serial over ethernet as an OOB (Out of Bands) access to network equipment like routers and switches, usually on a very small private network connected to a modem or other access service that can be used for remote troubleshooting and diagnostics if the main network is inaccessible
Ethernet serial example Types of serial device servers An Ethernet Serial server is typically made with 1, 2, 4 or 8 serial ports which can be either RS232, RS485 or RS422 ports or a combination thereof. One and two port converters are the most popular and usually are the size of a pack of cigarettes. Four and eight port units typically are the size of a small cigar box.
The typical device server is often used in industrial environments, however many are also used by the Pro-Sumer or hobbyist for controlling many types of electronic devices. They are typically used for connecting a machine or device to a computer so it can be monitored and controlled remotely. Setting up an Ethernet to Serial converter is typically straightforward, however, to use it to access a serial device over the Internet then it becomes a bit more advanced of a task; please see our support section for a setup guide for this particular configuration. A fundamental knowledge of networking and port forwarding will be required.
Most serial device servers come included with a virtual COM port re-director software which is used for creating a virtual COM port in your computer. This COM port can then be used almost as if it was a regular built-in COM port in your computer. The re-director software often also allows you to configure the parameters of the device server. Alternatively, the parameters can usually be configured by using a web-browser or via a Telnet connection.