10 best computer networking device servers

A device server in the context of computer networking refers to a specialized hardware device designed to enable communication between serial devices and a network.These servers play a crucial role in integrating traditional serial devices into modern networked environments. Here are key aspects related to device servers:

  1. Purpose:

    • Device servers act as intermediaries between serial devices, such as printers, scanners, or industrial equipment, and a network. They facilitate communication by converting serial data into a format suitable for transmission over a network.

  2. Connectivity:

    • Device servers typically support various serial interfaces, including RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485. These interfaces are commonly used for connecting legacy equipment.

  3. Network Protocols:

    • These servers support network protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and SNMP, allowing seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. TCP/IP is particularly prevalent, providing a reliable connection for data transmission.

  4. Configuration and Management:

    • Device servers often come with configuration interfaces accessible via a web browser or dedicated software. Users can set parameters such as IP addresses, baud rates, and other communication settings.

  5. Remote Access:

    • One of the primary advantages of device servers is their ability to enable remote access to serial devices. This is beneficial for troubleshooting, monitoring, and managing devices located in different physical locations.

  6. Security:

    • Security features are crucial in device servers to protect against unauthorized access. This may include password authentication, encryption, and support for secure communication protocols.

  7. Application Areas:

    • Device servers find applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and telecommunications. They are especially valuable in situations where legacy equipment with serial interfaces needs to be integrated into modern, networked systems.

  8. Serial-to-Ethernet Conversion:

    • The core functionality of a device server involves converting serial data to Ethernet-compatible data. This conversion enables the integration of legacy serial devices into Ethernet-based networks.

  9. Industrial Applications:

    • In industrial settings, device servers are often used to connect and monitor equipment such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other industrial automation devices.

  10. Scalability:

    • Some device servers are designed to be scalable, allowing the addition of multiple devices to a network. This is useful in environments where several serial devices need to be integrated.

When selecting a device server, compatibility with the specific serial devices and network infrastructure, along with considerations for security and manageability, are important factors to keep in mind. Reading product specifications and user reviews can help in making informed decisions.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best computer networking device servers on the market
  

USR-TCP232-410s RS232 / RS485 Serial to Ethernet Adapter/IP Device Server Ethernet Converter Support DHCP/DNS

Horsebiz

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Serial Device Server Introduction



This is a Serial RS485 and RS232 to Ethernet Server, Used for Data Transparent Transmission. Usr-Tcp232-410S is a Dual Serial Server, Which Supports RS232 and RS485 Working at The Same Time. it is Based On Cortex-M4 Solution and The Internal of The Serial Server Integrates Tcp / IP Protocol Stack. Besides, Usr-Tcp232-410S Has The Function of Terminal Power Supply.



Feature

Multiple Indicator Lights for Convenient Debugging

Power-Line Terminal for Industrial Application

Arm Kernel and Tcp / Ip Protocol Stack

Auto-Mdi / Mdix, Rj45 Port with 10 / 100Mbps

Tcp Server, Tcp Client, Udp, Udp Server and Httpd Client Work Mode

Two Ports Can Work Independently at The Same Time

Support Virtual Serial Port and Provide Corresponding Software Usr-Vcom

Serial Baud Rate From 600Bps to 230. 4K Bps; Check Bit of None, Odd, Even, Mark and Space

Dns and Dhcp Supported

Provide Pc Tcp / Ip Socket Programming Example, Vb, C++, Delphi, Android, Ios

Built-In Webpage; Also Can Customize Webpage for Users

Reload Button, One Key to Restore Default Settings

Rj45 with Link / Data Indicator Light, Built-In Isolation Transformer and 2 Kv Electromagnetic Isolation

The Global Unique Mac Address Bought From Ieee, User Can Define Mac Address

Supp Ort Upgrade Firmware Via Network

Support Keep-alive, Rapidly Detect Dead Links

Support Account and Password, Can Be Used to Page Login and Network Settings

Support One Channel Websocket, Realize Bidirectional Transparent Transmisison Bewteen Webpage and Serial 0

Support Modbus Rtu to Modbus Tcp

Support Udp Broadcast Function, Send and Receive Data From All Ip in The Network



What is in The Box:

1 x Dual Serial Device Server, 1 x 5V 1a Power Supply, 1 x Female to Female Serial Cable.

  • Dual Serial Device Server: Cpu: Cortex-M4 120Mhz, Serial RS485 & RS232 to Ethernet Server, 2 Serial Ports: 1 Port is RS232, 1 Port is RS485, 1 RJ45 Ethernet Port. Support RS232 & RS485 Working at The Same Time.
  • Data Link Protocol: Ip£¬Tcp£¬Udp£¬Dhcp£¬Dns£¬Http£¬Arp£¬Icmp£¬Web Socket£¬Httpd Client.
  • Speed: 10 / 100 Mbps, Mdi / Mdix Cross Direct Automatic Switching, Baud Rate: Rs-232£º600Bps ~ 230. 4Kbps£¬Rs-485£º600Bps ~ 1Mbps; 1.5Kv Electromagnetic Isolation, Shell Isolation Protection; Anti-Static 2Kv, Lightning Protection.
  • Configure Via Web Browser or Virtual Com Software Interface; Working Temperature: -40 ~ 85¡ãC, Power Consumption: < 1W.
  • What's in The Box: 1 x Dual Serial Device Server, 1 x 5V 1A Power Supply, 1 x Female to Female Serial Cable.

User questions & answers

Question: Will I need windows 10 software to create a virtual com port
Answer: Since it's communicates over TCP/IP, it doesn't matter what hypervisor you're running. As long as you can install the client software in the guest VM (which, sadly, is Windows only), it'll work.
Question: By using this device, am i able to communicate the compactrio and omron plc
Answer: USB devices connected to the hub are like any usb device connected directly to the computer. The hub is the device with an IP address, as it is the only device connected to the network.
Question: Do these support ddns updates so i can get back in after the public ip changes
Answer: Yes, each wooden alphabet block has a uppercase letter on one side and the matching lowercase letter on the opposite side.
Question: Do i need 3rd party software? And is this mac compatible
Answer: Our Bilingual Alphabet Blocks set currently does not have an "ñ" block, but we are working with our vendor to add this to our next order. If you would like to contact us directly through amazon we can let you know when the updated set arrives -- thanks
Question: Anyone is experienced with this device working with the client software on a guest running in VMWare
Answer: Great question! As of now we only offer these alphabet blocks in English / Spanish. What language are you interested in?
Question: Does each of the 4 usb devices connected to this hub get its own ip
Answer: Great to hear everyone is enjoying the wooden alphabet blocks. The activity ebook is emailed directly after your purchase. If you are unable to locate it, please email us and we can forward it directly to you --- [email protected]

MOXA NPort 5110-1 Port Serial Device Server, 10/100 Ethernet, RS232, DB9 Male

Moxa Technologies Inc.

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MOXA NPort 5110 - 1 Port Serial Device Server, 10/100 Ethernet, RS232, DB9 Male

  • Small size for easy installation / SNMP MIB-II for network management
  • Real COM/TTY drivers for Windows and Linux
  • Easy-to-use Windows utility for configuring multiple device servers
  • Configure by Telnet, web browser, or Windows utility
  • Standard TCP/IP interface and versatile operation modes

User questions & answers

Question: does this come with a powersupply
Answer: VCOM software has no requirement for windows system.You can try to use on windows 10.
Question: What is the difference between the 5110 and 5110A model
Answer: Probably.
Question: does this come with an ethernet cable, and which length
Answer: Not Support.
Question: Does it support modbus tcp/ip
Answer: The device is an adapter. It will convert communication protocols such as RS232, RS422 and RS485 in and outbound into ethernet ( TCP) Packets. MAC's and PC's both use TCP. The software would be created by you. You would need to give a description of your intended use case(s) for a more definitive answer.

Lantronix Industrial Device Server XPress DR-IAP with Installable Industrial Protocols - Device server - 10Mb LAN, 100Mb LAN, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 - AC 9 - 24 V / DC 9 - 30 V - rail mountable

Check latest price

Product description

connect Plcs, Drives, Process Controls, Power Monitoring Equipment, Barcode Scanners, And Other Factory Floorserial Devices.the Xpress Dr And Xpress Dr-iap Device Servers Enable Virtually Any Industrial Device With Serial Capability To Be Connected To A New Or Existing Ethernet Network. By Encapsulating Serial Data And Transporting It Over Ethernet, The Xpress Dr/dr-iap Establishes Virtual Serial Links Over Ethernet. By Using These Units, Limited-distance, Point-to-point, Direct Serial Connections Can Now Be Extended Within The Plant, Throughout The Facility, Or Across The Global Enterprise.when Used In Conjunction With An Opc Server, Most Windows Based Hmi, Scada, And Pc-based Control Applications Have Full Access To Information In The Connected Device. Existing Com-port Based Windows Applications Can Access Network-enabled Devices Using Lantronix Com Port Redirector Software. Com Port Redirector Allows The Creation Of Virtual Serial Ports, Which Can Be Mapped To Remote Device Servers Over Ethernet And Connected To The Xpress Dr And Xpress Dr-iap.the Xpress Dr-iap Installable Communication Drivers Allow Specific Support For Various Industrial Communication Protocols. With Native Support For These Protocols, Devices That Previously Allowed Only One Connection Can Now Support Multiple Connections Simultaneously.flexible Configuration Options Allow The Unit To Be Set Up Locally Using The Serial Port, Or Remotely Over Ethernet Using Telnet Or A Common Web Browser. Deviceinstaller, A Windows Based Configuration Software, Simplifies Installation And Configuration, Enables Access To The Web Manager And Telnet Communications, And Ping Attached Devices Over The Network. Flash Memory Provides For Maintenancefree, Non-volatile Storage, And Allows Future System Upgrades.packaged In A Rugged Din-rail Mount Case And Featuring 2000v Galvanic Isolation, 1500v Ethernet Isolation, A Wide 0° To 60°c Operating Range, And A 9-30vdc/9-24vac Power

  • Product Type: Device Server
  • Form Factor: Rail-mountable

Chase Research IOLAN DS1 1-Port Device Server (04030124)

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Perle IOLAN DS1 - Device server - 1 ports - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485

  • Product Type: Device Server

StarTech.com 1 Port RS232 Serial Ethernet Device Server - PoE Power Over Ethernet - Serial Over IP Device Server Adapter - PoE-Powered (NETRS2321POE)

StarTech

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The NETRS2321POE 1 Port RS232 Serial Ethernet Device Server - PoE (Power Over Ethernet) allows you to install your RS232 devices anywhere on your TCP/IP Ethernet WAN/LAN, and access them as if they were right beside you - even over the Internet!



The Serial Device Server is designed to function seamlessly with your other integrated and add-on serial ports as if they were right inside your computer. Perfect for industrial automation, security, Point of Sale, or any long-range serial application, delivering reliable performance in any environment.



The Ethernet/serial device server supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) when connected to a PoE compliant device - eliminating the need for an external power supply and outlet, and making it easier to situate the device server as needed.



Backed by a StarTech.com 2-year warranty and free lifetime technical support.

 

  • Connect to configure and remotely manage an RS-232 serial device over an IP network
  • 1 Port PoE Serial Device Server
  • RS232 / Power over Ethernet Serial Device Server
  • Serial over IP Device Server Adapter
  • PoE-Powered / PoE PD Serial over Ethernet Device Server

User questions & answers

Question: Will this product work with Cisco serial ports
Answer: Hello, There are a many differences between the two units. For starters, the standard 5110 is the older model. The 5100A is the newer model that contains some additional management features (SNMP v2c, LLDP, etc). The 5100A also uses IGMP v1/v2 Filter. You can also configure the 5100A with different baud rates (only 110 bps to 230.4 kbs available for the 5110), additional operation modes, and it also had a slighter wider temperature range. The short answer is the 5110A is the newer all around more versatile unit if you have applications that require some of the newer configuration modes and features.
Question: Can I change conf. by http? Or just with the included software
Answer: It does not include any ethernet cables, Item content includes: 1 x NPort 5100 Series device server 1 x power adapter 1 x document and software CD 1 x quick installation guide 1 x warranty card
Question: Has anyone else had issues with configuring the baud rate? I have used the setup utility and the baud rate never changes
Answer: Hi! The NPort series is designed for serial (RS-232/422/485) communication. It can be easily set up to extend the serial distance over the Ethernet network. For Modbus TCP, the Moxa MGate MB3000 series is a better choice. The MGate offers all the setup (such as master/slave) and parameters for the Modbus application.

Portserver Ts 2PORT RS-232 Serial to Ethernet Device Server

Digi

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

DIGI INTERNATIONAL DIGI PORTSERVER TS 2 PORT RS-232 RJ-45 SERIAL TO ETHERNET DEVICE SERVER 9-30VDC

  • Product Type: Device Server
  • Form Factor: Wall Mountable

MOXA NPort 5110A - 1 Port Device Server, 10/100 Ethernet, RS-232, DB9 Male, 0 to 60C Operating Temperature

Moxa Technologies Inc.

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

MOXA NPort 5110A - 1 Port Device Server, 10/100 Ethernet, RS-232, DB9 Male, 0 to 60C Operating Temperature

  • Only 1 W power consumption / Speedy 3-step web-based configuration
  • Surge protection for serial, Ethernet, and power lines
  • COM port grouping and UDP multicast applications / Screw connectors for secure installation
  • Real COM/TTY drivers for Windows and Linux / Connect up to 8 TCP hosts
  • Standard TCP/IP interface and versatile TCP and UDP operation modes

User questions & answers

Question: what is the maximum baud rate
Answer: I was able to use it both at 9600 and 19200 without issue.
Question: Is an adapter included
Answer: Yes, the power supply is included.

Lantronix XDT10P0-01-S Xdirect Compact 1-Port Secure Serial (Rs232) to IP Ethernet with Power Over Ethernet (PoE) - Device Server

Lantronix

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

xDirect is a sleek and compact Serial-to-Ethernet device server, providing quick and easy Ethernet connectivity to virtually any device or machine with a serial interface. With an integrated Ethernet port and serial cable, multiple power options including PoE, xDirect provides a portable, extremely flexible, and highly affordable network connectivity solution. With Plug-and-Play simplicity, small form factor, multiple power options, and a robust device server application, xDirect provides the easy and short path to network connectivity 'right on the wire'.

  • Complete network connectivity solution
  • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet port and serial cable
  • Complete device server application with Full IP stack and web server
  • Space saving form factor
  • Serial data rate of up to 921.6 kbps

User questions & answers

Question: does it come with a power supply
Answer: The NETRS2321POE is compatible with any standard RS-232 port so as long as the Cisco Serial ports use RS-232 communication this should work. Matt, StarTech.com Support
Question: Does it come with software? Virtual serial port driver
Answer: Hi, Yes this RS232 device server has a web interface that can be accessed and configured using a web browser.Let us know if you have any other questions.Thank you, StephanCustomer SupportStarTech.com

MOXA NPort 6150 -1 Port RS-232/422/485 Secure Device Server, 12-48V, w/ Adapter

Moxa Technologies Inc.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Moxa NPort 6150 Device Server This item is new as shown. Item guaranteed!

Lantronix 2 Port Serial (RS232/ RS422/ RS485) to IP Ethernet Device Server - US Domestic 110 VAC

Lantronix, Inc

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

the Uds2100 Device Server Enables Users To Connect, Manage And Control Just About Any Piece Of Equipment With A Serial Port From Virtually Anywhere Over Ethernet Or The Internet.with The Uds2100, Two Pieces Of Equipment Of Virtually Any Type Can Be Added To An Ethernet Network In A Matter Of Minutes! This Dual-port Device Server Is A Quick, Simple And Inexpensive Way To Bring The Advantages Of Remote Management And Control To Equipment Not Currently Connected To A Network.

  • Lantronix 2 Port Serial (rs232/ Rs422/ Rs485) To Ip Ethernet Device Server - Us Domestic 110 Vac - Convert From Rs-232; Rs-485 To Ethernet Using Serial Over Ip Technology; Wall Mountable; Rail Mountable; Two Db-9 Serial Ports; One 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Rj-45 Port

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